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pa1nkill3r · 10 months ago

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Day 2,557 [G.W]

[Pairing:] George Weasley x GN!Reader

[Summary:] A boy comes into the joke shop with his mother; It felt all too weird for the one-eared owner to feel so at ease, something he never felt for the past 7 years.

[Warnings:] angst, sad, major character death (not Fred obv), reincarnation, grief, mourning, swearing

[a/n:] Scrolling through facebook and getting videos of children talking about their past lives really intrigued me. This is my first fic and it might be bad so please don’t bully me, I’m sensitive <3 (jkjk but I am open for constructive criticism!)

[a/n; March 2024] I wrote this draft back in 2021 or 2022 I believe, waiting desperately for the opportunity to finish and post this. That time never came. Now, 2 or 3 years later, I gravely admire my vocabulary, creativity, and passion for writing back then. Honestly speaking, moving schools killed my spark and I am desperate to get it back. For now, I am working on reviving that spark within me by going back to where I started. Even though the HP fandom isn't as active as it used to be, I would still like to share this piece I made because I am so, so proud of my younger self.

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There was something about Y/N wearing white that George loved so much. He always got so giddy and cute which in turn made their eyes roll and mouth grin.

The way Y/N looked sitting at the Great Hall with their white sleeves rolled to their elbows, one hand under their chin and the other twirling a spoon while their eyes dragged along their charms textbook, cramming in as much information as they could for the upcoming test that afternoon.

Or that time at the Yule Ball when they thought it’d be funny to wear an all white ensemble because: “What?...I wanted to feel like a bride at their wedding.” whilst having the best night with George, their “groom”.

Even small moments like when they would steal a shirt from George’s drawer and wear it to sleep. He loved every single bit of it, even if it cost him many shirts.

He truly never got enough of them wearing white. So seeing them in a casket wearing that same color 7 years ago, looking so peaceful and so… dead. That killed him. That’s the last time he will see them in white; That’s the last time he’s going to see them at all.

That was the last time he could actually feel their hand rather than just dried oil on linen canvas, framed in oak and hung atop his bed. How he wished their eyes could roll one more time at how stupidly in love their boyfriend is with them, especially in white.

Voldemort’s reign of terror had ended, as well as the lives of many others, and maybe even George. They were a horcrux he never made, his life force created by deep love and affection rather than the hunger for immortality.

It never got easier even after 7 years, he simply just got used to it.

He got used to the feeling of an empty bed. He got used to gripping onto a cold body pillow instead of a warm figure and a heartbeat with Y/H/C hair disturbing his lips. He got used to counting the days since their death which gravely disturbed Fred, his twin. He got used to waking up everyday and checked off a box from the calendar with an absurd amount of numbers on it.

Admittedly he is doing better than he did 7 years ago. No more jumping from every small sound and drawing out his wand in the middle of the night. No more vivid dreams of several dead bodies laid across the Great Hall. No more crying himself to sleep. No more missed dinners. No more grieving.

He’s longed for them longer than he has actually been with them. But his love never faltered. Not once.

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Day 2,557

It's now exactly 7 years since the Battle of Hogwarts. And in a month it would be the 7th anniversary of his obituary for Y/N on the Daily Prophet, a suggestion made by Percy to try and help his grieving brother. It helped, but not really.

The small May 2nd, 2005 box wrote “Baby Vic’s Birthday!” in bold red ink. George moved the yellow paper star that stuck gently onto the calendar with paper tape as Fred walked into his room. Envelope in his hands, bread between his teeth, and a beautiful haughty looking owl on his shoulder.

“Fun to finally see you up, Georgie!” Fred greeted sarcastically as George hummed in response. “Bill just sent an owl that little Vicky’s turning 5!"

"That is usually how birthdays work, Freddie." George joked, grabbing his wand and with a flick, his bed is magically fixed. "I'm not a dumbass, you know?" Fred chuckled lightly as he handed George the letter from Bill and Fleur, "They're hosting a party for her at the Burrow at 5."

He took the piece of parchment and flattened it by his desk before pulling it closer to his face, his back mindlessly pinning itself to the wall.

Dear Fred and George,

Bill here, As you should know, it's baby Victoire's 5th birthday today and we would really like love to have you two come by the Burrow at 5 pm.

Vic really misses you both. Uncle George this, Uncle Fred that. She’s going to be like you two one day, I’m tellin’ ya. She loves listening to stories you tell her, especially the ones about Y/N and Tonks. She thinks that they’re the coolest people ever and that she wished she could meet them. I simply told her that one day she would, but it’ll be far far away from now.

Hope to see you later! Please owl back immediately, Vic’s got Ginny’s temper.

xx Bill

“I’ve already owled them my ‘happy birthday’ letter before Chouette came.” Chouette, the owl cooed at the mention of her name. Slightly shuffling her feathers therefore lightly tickling Fred's neck, making him shiver. The haughty owl flew from Fred's shoulder to George's making the younger twin chuckle.

"Seems like Chouette is telling you to take a bath, mate." George laughed as the back of Fred's hand flew to his forehead. "I got us crepes and bread for breakfast! And you go on and call me stinky?" Fred exclaimed dramatically.

"How 'bout you be a dear and write to Bill and Fleur that we are going to Vic's party, alright?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll do that." George agreed, taking out a roll of parchment from his desk drawer as well as a quill and a bottle of ink. "While I eat my breakfast and write this, will you be a dear and take a bath!" Fred cackled at his younger brother's statement. Though in a bit the sound of water dropping down the shower head echoed through the small flat above the shop.

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School owls poured in as numerous Hogwarts students wanted to take advantage of the annual “54% off ‘End of War’ sale” at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes held in memory of the fallen 50. Because in Fred and George’s philosophy, “...We might not be able to save them, but they can save our customers over 50% off of all our products!”

It seemed insensitive but it’s the thought that counts. They wanted to make sure that their passing didn’t go to waste, even if it is counted as a discount to the famous Diagon Alley shop.

Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley were rather busy picking up and shipping out their joke products, sending it to the owls who were perched up in a little area at the back of the store, nibbling on insects Verity; a part of their staff had handed them before sending them back to the school her bosses previously dropped out of.

It was nearing lunch time when everyone wearing magenta robes stocked up the shelves again, having been sending out owls since 8 in the morning when they heard a clanging from the front doors, signaling that a customer had finally came; A middle aged woman looked starstruck whilst holding onto a young boy that’s slowly getting out of her grip, having the same eagerness as his mother.

It wasn’t unusual for customers to react this way coming into the Weasley’s joke shop. The boy’s eyes sparkled while the mother looked in admiration. The mother crouched down to hold onto her son, keeping him from running while his mouth spilled with words.

“Mum, we have to get something for Mia!” the boy cried out eagerly, eyes darting towards every single corner of the store. George’s mouth upturned into a sloppy grin whilst listening to the boy.

“Marty, that’s sweet of you, but we already got the quill she wanted.” The mother said quietly, running her hands over the boy’s shoulders, easing it. “And it’s your birthday...” George didn’t know what came after that as he took the chance and walked towards the small family with a big smile on his face, quickly followed by Fred.

“Heard it’s a little man’s birthday.” inclined George, hands in his pockets and head down turned. The mother looked up and stood from her spot, giggling slightly as she kept a hold of her son’s shoulders. “What’s your name?” he asked, now being the one to crouch down in front of the boy.

The boy tilted his head to the side, eyes slightly strained. He looked both confused and hyper focused at the same moment. Though weird, George thought nothing of it. After all, he was a kid, the man he’s looking at has one ear, and the hyperfixation was quickly ended by the slight shake of his shoulders. The mother looked down at her son, silently telling him to introduce himself. And so he did.

"I'm Martin! I turn 6 today!" the boy said enthusiastically,bringing a smile on George's face. Being around Martin felt odd, it felt so unapologetically peaceful and rather… familiar.

"SIX?!" Fred loudly piped in. "Well now that's big, little man!"

The mother was slightly startled by the appearance of the ginger's twin, though the same cannot be said about Martin who simply smiled absentmindedly.

"I knew you before." said Martin, eyes targeting the younger twin. George smiled and kept close to the boy, keeping the conversation going. "Really?" he asked with vivid curiosity, he did not recognise the boy or his mother but fueling a child's imagination wouldn't hurt anyone.

"How?" piped in Fred, now also crouching beside his twin, "And why just him?" he asked comedically, pointing to his brother.

"Since we were 11." Answered Martin with no signs of struggle on his face. The red haired owners looked at each other, though more in disbelief than in confusion.

"Thought you said you were 6, Martin?" George asked with a kind look on his face. The boy’s mother shook her son’s shoulder harder than she did the past few times, mumbling “Marty, what did I tell you?” in tired disbelief.

“M’sorry mum.” Martin said with a pinch of sincerity before turning back to face the bigger man in front of him. “I was 20 before I became 6.” “Marty.”

Chilling, the owners thought. As they were 20 at the time of the battle of Hogwarts.

“I’m so sorry Mr.--”

“Weasley.” Fred replied as the confusion simmered throughout his twin brother. “S’really nothing to worry about Mrs.--?”

“Edevane. But I truly am sorry, he’s just a very imaginative little kid. Always has stories of his quote-unquote ‘past life’.“ she explained, making the kid become a bit mad. “But mum, it’s true!-”

“Marty, how about we look around the store, alright? Mr. and Mr. Weasley could show us around perhaps?” Mrs. Edevane hinted to the twin owners, relief gracing their legs as they were now able to stand on their feet.

“Yes, we can certainly do that! Come along Marty, tell us more about this ‘past life’ of yours.” Fred’s arm wrapped around the small boy’s shoulders, showing him around the color filled shop. “Sorry about that Mrs. Edevane.” he added mischievously, “Here at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, we like to encourage creativity and imagination.”

“--As it is the reason we got here.” George finished, giving Mrs. Edevane a kind smile as they start roaming around the shop. “Uhh. Mr. Weasley.” Her fingers tapped onto George’s shoulder. His head whipped around and mouth about to open when suddenly the 6 year old spoke; “Mum, Mr. Weasley’s name is George. This one’s Fred.”

The utter shock that went through the twin wizards was clear as day. No where in the shop did it say the owner’s names. Even their name tags; The little badge pinned on their suits merely wrote ‘Mr. Weasley’. Fred, being the initiator that he is, leaned forward. “Now how can you be so sure, Marty?” he teased, “What if I tell you that you’re wrong?”

Martin simply smiled, angling his head a bit to the side again. “Mr. George has a longer face, down turned eyes and eyebrows, he’s a bit taller than you, Mr. Fred. You have a squarer face and shorter features than him.” he explained smoothly and innocently. As if it’s something he’s observed over the course of his whole life.

“Ma’am, I’m afraid your son’s a genius.” George joked, even if he’s visibly disturbed, though nonetheless intrigued. Nobody has ever differentiated them this way, even their own mother. Though one person did. The one he cherished most. The mother smiled, holding onto her son once again.

“I’m no genius.” Martin spoke, a shy smile gracing his small little lips, so identical to the person’s portrait above George’s bed. He even said their typical response to their mind being praised.

“-- I just quietly observe.”

Martin spoke but George merely whispered. A shiver ran through his spine, heart pumping, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. It could’ve all been a coincidence. One big coincidence served on a silver platter, garnished with confusion and terrifying accuracy.

“Mr. Weasley?”

He snapped back, giving the woman a sign to continue. “Uh, I just wanted to ask... err. Why that big of a discount? Why is it 54% off of everything? That doesn’t really sound like a good marketing strategy, doesn’t it?” She asked curiously.

“Well Mrs. Edevane.” George started, seeing as Fred and little Martin were still going around the shop. “Remember the last wizarding war?” Mrs. Edevane shook her head. His smile faltered a bit but still kept his composure. “We’re, what you call it? Muggle--born?” Her eyebrows furrowed while her teeth sinked into her bottom lip. “Well, my daughter... err. Just started her first year and that McGonagall woman said that she’s a ‘muggleborn’.”

They truly didn’t know who they are.

“-- What I’m trying to say, Mr. Weasley, is that we, or at least I, am not magical. Nor is my husband.” He nodded, breathed in a bit as his mind tried to ease itself. The boy couldn’t have known who he is as they wouldn’t have known anything about the prophet, or could they?

“Well, Mrs. Edevane. 7 years ago at this date. The second wizarding war has ended. My brother-in-law defeated... him.” It was still hard to say his name, even years later. “V-Voldemort.”

She looked curious but silently let him continue. “Uh, remember when. Uh-uhm that bridge collapsed in muggle london? 7-8 years ago? A big hurricane happened? When a lot died like-” It was hard to explain. Truly. It was hard to live through it again.

“Like that Emmeline Vance lady?”

“Yes, exactly!” He exclaimed. “It was all caused by him. By wizards! Dark wizards!” Her previously bright face now looked horror struck. It was all making sense. “Seven years ago, this day. Everything ended at Hogwarts. As well as the lives of 54 on our side.” He wanted to mention one very special loss, but figured that she doesn’t need to know about it. She was just a muggle mother who brought her son birthday shopping. “We wanted to commemorate them.”

A sincere look graced upon her face, out of pity. “Is there any chance that you’ve seen anything from the ‘Daily Prophet’, Mrs. Edevane? Or your son?” He asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence. She shook her head, now gracing a look with pure confusion. “A-Anything. Like a paper? A newspaper with moving photographs? Or maybe a-a Quibbler?”

She shook her head. “Why’re you asking Mr. Weasley?” His mouth opened, about to burst out his concerns and held in grief to a complete stranger when; “George!”

It was Fred, hand resting on his twin’s shoulder as the six year old boy beside him just stood. “-- Can I talk to you? I need to talk to you.” He said, fright gracing his features and panic in his voice.

George nodded, bidding a quick goodbye to the mother and son who came in a few moments ago and calling for one of their faculty to give them the tour they wanted.

Fred pulled his twin to an empty corner of the shop. Sound muffled by the stacks of products ranging from fireworks to extendable ears. “That boy George.” Fred panted. Voice shaking. “He knows too much. Is there a chance that you put anything about how Y/N saved me?”

“Briefly. Why?” His heart was about to pop out of his chest at any moment. Any moment now his heart would be a new WWW product.

“He explained everything! Everything George! Knew things that he shouldn’t have!” Fred said, terrified. “What did he say?” asked George. Croaking out whatever’s left in his heaving lungs.

“He said that he saved me. Me and Percy! From the explosion! I didn’t think much of it at first, George! I knew that you wrote that in their obituary. But he just kept going.” Frightened. They were both frightened. “Everything they did. He knew.”

“How accurate was he?”

“Very. George. Disturbingly accurate.” Back straightened and composed, Fred stood back, eyes darting back and forth from his brother to the entrance of the shop. “He knew that they transfigured the rubble to sand. He knew that they cast that ring of fire shit they did. The diabolica thing to ward off the death eaters? Yeah. He named the spell. HE NAMED THE SPELL, GEORGE!”

“I heard you the first time!” George yelled back. Disturbed, yet he felt at peace. He could have the last goodbye he’s always wanted. “We need to talk to the boy, Fred.”

His twin nodded fervently, about to walk away from the corner when he felt an arm tug on his elbow. “Oi, how can we do it without worrying the mother?”

“Give whatever he wants for free. It’s his birthday after all. Now come on!”

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#george weasley #george weasley fanfiction #fred and george #george weasley imagine #george weasley x reader #george weasley angst #harry potter #harry potter fanfiction #george weasley one shot #fred weasley #bill weasley #fleur delacour #ginny weasley

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yourlocaltrashpandaa · 2 years ago

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Getting To Know You

michael afton x fem!reader

oneshot

fandom: fnaf

Context: Y/n was quite the ‘Michael Afton Observer’ and she has come to the conclusion that he’s a strange one until she started to get to know him

A/n: I did a poll and Michael won said poll. Also semi following the lore bc I’m nothing but faithful to my source material. Hope you enjoy!

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Fall 1982

You found the boy known to you as Michael Afton none other than odd. You honestly didn’t know why. Sure you have never talked to him personal, you just observed him from a far. He had a small group of friends though he seemed to be popular, yet he was much more of a loner most of the time. How do know that? Well, the two of you have many class together, where he’s mostly doodling in his notebook more than anything.

You’d look up from your notes you were taking in English and glance in his direction every so often and he’s always drawing something in there. You were curious yet you never had the courage or the opportunity to ask him. It’s not that you were shy or anything, you’ve just seen how he and his friends treat your other peers. Not getting opportunity to ask while in class is because Michael is always quick to leave as soon as the bell rings.

But today, you were determined. Your curiosity was getting the best of you and Michael well he just fascinated you. You walked into your English class earlier then you usually did and there you saw him, Michael, doodling his notebook. Hearing you walk into the classroom, he looked up from his notebook and looked at you.

“Um, hi.” You awkwardly waved at him.

Michael’s blue eyes scanned you, he knows you’re one of his classmates he just forgot your name. “Hey.” He said and repeated your wave gesture.

‘Progress!’ You thought as you made your way to your seat.

Michael watched you, his eyes trained on your every move until you plopped down in the desk next to him. Were you seriously always next to him? How come he never noticed? Maybe he was to busy trying to escape the world and ignore the teacher that he just never knew.

Michael shifted his eyes from you and back to his notebook and went back to the sketch he was working on. His attention to the sketch was cut short when you piped up.

“What are you always drawing in there?” You asked him.

He looked at you and scoffed at your question. “None of your business.” He said.

This time when he spoke, you noticed his British accent. It caught you a bit of guard more so than his rude tone.

“I’m just curious,” You said back. “I noticed you draw all time in class.”

Michael took notice of your words. “You watch me?” He raised an eyebrow at you.

“No! I was observing!” You exclaimed.

“So, watching?” Michael replied.

“No!” You whined.

Michael chuckled at this. “You’re such a weirdo. I’m Michael.” He said.

“I know. I’m Y/n.” You said casually.

“You already know my name?” He asked.

“Yeah, why? Are you going to say I’m stalking you? Cause I’m not! We have several classes together you just don’t notice.” You said.

“Oh…” He trailed. This was news to him but to be honest, Michael knew he was loner without his group of friends and he doesn’t talk with other people unless he has to otherwise he keeps to himself. Yet you decided to talk to him, maybe he can make a new friend.

Winter 1982

“Michael!”

Michael turned around after hearing his name being called. He saw you, bundled up in your puffy winter coat that looked a little too big on you. A small smile appeared on his face when he saw you. The two of you have become close in the last three months you started talking. He found he liked hanging around you more than his other friends yet you never mentioned you to them.

“Y/n, hey,” He waved as he met you halfway in the hallway. “That coat looks like it’ll swallow you whole.” Michael chuckled at his comment.

“Haha,” You rolled your eyes at his comment but smiled. “It was a hand-me-down from my brother that’s why I can practically swim in this.”

“You have a brother?” Michael asked. This is the first time you mentioned family members to him so he was taking his chances with asking you about about your brother.

“Yeah. He’s away at college. He calls the house every so often so I hear from him frequently. He’s coming home for Christmas though. My mom is very excited about it.” You said.

“Really? Are you excited to see him?” Michael asked.

You smiled and nodded. “Yeah, of course I am,” You said. “Hey, Mike?”

‘Mike? That’s new.’ Michael thought to himself. He never heard you use nicknames maybe it’s a sign that the two of you are close. He liked the nickname you gave him.

“Yeah?” He answered.

“Do you have any siblings?” You asked.

“Oh yeah. I’m the oldest and I have a younger sister and brother.” Michael said.

“That sounds like a full house.” You said.

Michael shrugged his shoulders. “Eh, it isn’t really.” He said.

“Oh come on, being a big brother has to be fun.” You said.

Michael frowned as he scrunched his face up at you. Are you serious? Well, he can’t really blame you for saying that since you are the younger sibling between you and your brother. But the look on his face didn’t go unnoticed by you.

“What’s that face for?” You asked him.

“Nothing, just… being the older sibling is not fun.” Michael said.

“For you maybe, my brother and I have good relationships.” You grinned proudly with your hands on you hips.

Michael rolled his eyes at you. “Let’s get to class, Y/n.” He said, ruffling your hair.

“Fine. You remembered to do the homework, right?” You asked him as the two of walked to English together.

“We had homework?!”

“Michael!”

Spring 1983

Time passed and the season changed. As well as yours and Michael’s friendship. To the point that you have been begging him for him to let you go over to his place. Mainly because A). He’s been over to your house and met your parents and B). You wanted to the same. You wanted to meet your best friend’s family but he’s been denying your request and coming up with bullshit excuses.

“Come on, Michael please!” You begged him.

The two of you are hanging out by his locker, it was the end of the day and you weren’t taking “no” for an answer.

“No. How many times do I have to say it.” He said.

“You’re being unfair,” You exclaimed. “Why can’t I come over, Mike?”

“Because I don’t want you too.” Michael said.

“That’s not a reason,” You frowned, crossing your arms. “Tell me! Why can’t I come over?” You asked again.

Michael went completely silent, honestly he didn’t have a reason, well not a good reason. It’s just, his feelings towards have changed in the last couple of months. He feels a lot more tense around you, not that he’s uncomfortable but that he doesn’t want to embarrass himself in front of you and at home, it’s his downtime, Michael is still a bit secretive about things and you respect that.

Though he’s been dodging this question since you started asking two weeks prior. Maybe he should just give in at this point, he doesn’t want you to be mad at him. Honestly, he doesn’t want to argue with you about something so petty.

Michael sighed, combing his hand through his hair. “I don’t have a reason why, y/n.” He said, he sounded a bit defeated.

This perked you up. “Really?” You answered.

He nodded his head as he looked off to the side away from your gaze.

“Soooo, I can come over?” You asked.

Michael shrugged. “Yeah, sure. Whatever.” He said.

“Yes! Thank you! I’ll see you this Saturday, Mikey! Don’t forget!” You exclaimed.

His face flushed pink at the nickname. ‘Wha?! Mikey?!’ He thought. Did you really just call him that with no hesitation.

“Y-Yeah, yeah. See you Saturday.” He muttered out.

“Great! Well I have to get home! See you then, Mikey!” You waved to him as you walked away from his locker and headed down the hallway.

There it was again. You called him Mikey again. Nobody calls him Mikey other than his younger siblings even his own mother. It made him feel strange, his heart skipped a bit. God, he’s fallen hard for you. You were just something, kind yet stubborn, tough yet gentle, smart and willing to ask questions. He thought he just admired you but no. His heart skips a bit when you’re around, whenever you smile or when he makes you laugh with a dumb joke he said.

He felt like he doesn’t deserve you yet that’s for you to decide.

Summer 1983

Once summer rolled around, Michael couldn't be more than happy. He never liked school that much more so going to class though he has to say that school this year wasn't so bad with you around. You make going to class less of a drag to him. But, sure had his other friends and you had yours, Michael felt that his friendship with you was more special in his eyes. Yet that comes down to his recently found feelings for you.

He's gone to your house and you've have gone to his. You've met each other's families. You hang out at the mall just the two of you, you beat him at video games at the local arcade. He wanted more. He wanted to tell you how he felt. But at the back of his brain he had 'what ifs', he had doubts. Would you feel the same?

He remembered when he first got his driver's license a month before, he remembered telling you, the smile on your face as you congratulating him with a big hug, telling him that you were excited to not walk everywhere, he laughed at you comment. He had recently got a car from his father (of all people) for his good grades (thanks to you of course). Holy shit, this was definitely his chance.

Grabbing his keys from his dresser, walking out of his room and downstairs with his backpack slung over his shoulder. Michael passed his mother who was in the kitchen with Elizabeth.

Elizabeth caught notice of her older brother as a glint of curiosity shimmered in her eyes as she watched him walk passed. She ran to the empty doorway of the kitchen and stopped him.

“Mikey? Where are you going?” She asked.

Michael ignored her when he yelled to his mother that he was going out as his mother said okay back. He looked to Elizabeth and said. “None of your business, shorty.”

Elizabeth brushed off her older brother’s comment. “It’s N/n, isn’t it?” She asked with a sly smirk on her face.

Michael’s face flushed. “N-No, No it’s not. You’re imagining things I’ll be back for dinner.”

Elizabeth laughed waving to him as he left. “Bye, Mikey!”

You heard the sound of a car horn outside of your house. You were slightly confused as you sat up from your bed. You walked over to your window, pulling back your curtains and that’s when you saw Michael, waving up at you leaning against his car. Your eyes widened as you waved back. You gestured to him that you’ll be down in a minute.

Grabbing a bag, you rushed down the stairs passing your parents in the living room, telling them that you’ll be out with Michael. With them telling you to be back before dinner.

Making your way outside and towards Michael with a smile on your face. He smirked as he leaned off his car and looked at you.

“Damn, Mikey. When did you get this?” You asked him looking at his car in awe. It was so shiny!

He smirked at your question. “Well, my father gave it to me a week ago.” He said.

You were surprised. “Bullshit!” You exclaimed with a smile.

“Bull-true!” Michael exclaimed back.

“Damn… no offense, Mike but your dad is… standoffish and prickly. Yet he gave you a car and a brand new one at that.” You said.

Michael chuckled as he scratched the back of his neck out of nervousness. “True, but he said it was proud of me with school this year so I deserved it.” He said.

“And who helped with that?” You asked with a smirk as you reached up to ruffle his hair.

Michael laughed as he tried to swat your hands away from his hair. “You did, you did! And thank you, N/n.”

You smiled proudly as you took your hands away. “So, what’s the plan today, my good sir?” You teased.

Michael rolled his eyes at you. “I though I could take you on a drive and maybe stop for ice cream, m’lady.” He said playing along with you.

“Sounds perfect, Mike.” You said with a smile.

Michael smiled back at you as he opened the passenger door for you. You thanked him as you hopped into the seat.

‘This is going well so far.’ Michael thought to himself. He had plan, he hoped when you spilled his feelings to you you’d feel the same.

After driving around, talking and getting ice cream, Michael drove to your hangout spot. You showed Michael this spot back in the spring just for peace and quiet. A hill in a grassy area not to far from the neighborhood. It was nice, Michael and you sometimes talked but most of the time you two just sit in a comfortable silence enjoying each other’s company.

That’s what you did this time but Michael was a bit more tense than usual and you took notice of this. You frowned as you placed your hand on his shoulder.

“You okay, Mike?” You asked him.

Your voice made the boy in question jump a bit startled as he whipped his head around to look at you.

“Y-Yeah,” He replied nervously. “I’m fine.”

You scowled at him. “No you’re not. You seem a bit tense and a wee bit nervous.” You replied.

Damn you’re good but he knew how observant you are. He hates you for it but he’s grateful for it too. Whenever you ask if he’s okay, he’s always willing to opening up and talk. Yet not this time.

He sighed. “You don’t say.” He replied.

“That’s all I get? Come on, Mike. What’s going on?” You asked.

“I, well, I… jeez, this is harder than I thought it would be…” He said in a low tone.

“What?” You said you were confused. He was never this tight lipped before.

“Mike, I don’t understand.” You said to him.

“Close your eyes.” He blurted out.

“Huh? Why do I have to close my eyes?” You asked in a confused tone.

“Just do it, please?” He asked with pleading eyes.

You couldn’t say no, you trusted Michael.

“Okay.” You said as you closed your eyes.

As soon as you shut your eyes, you felt something warm press against your lips. You scowled a bit in confusion as you opened your eyes. Your eyes widened in shock. Michael was kissing you gently on the lips. You didn’t know what to do but you kissed back leaning towards him. You’re finger tips brush the top of his hand as you placed your hand on top of his. Michael pulled away and he looked at you and smiled a bit.

“I really like you, Y/n. I feel that I can be myself around you. That’s why I love you, you’re everything a guy would want. You’re kind but stubborn, gentle but tough. I like that about you.” Michael said.

You blushed at his words. “I don’t know what to say. But, I’ve found that I’m very happy that you feeling the same as I do.” You said.

“Wait. You’re not messing with me are you?” Michael asked, he gripped onto you hand, squeezing it a bit.

“No, not this time. I’m being serious. I grew a crush on you even before I talk to for the first time.” You said, you chuckled a bit in embarrassment.

“What?! How come you never said anything? And how did I not notice?” Michael asked face-palming himself.

“Well, I guess I can hide my feelings pretty well. Or you’re just clueless.” You said teasing with your last comment.

“Okay, now you’re being a tease.” Michael replied with a smirk.

“Hey, I thought you loved me.” You said.

“I do love you.” Michael said.

“Good.” You said back.

Summer time love. Something that doesn’t last forever. Before his younger brother’s birthday party, you moved away, saying goodbye to the boy you loved.

20xx

Moving back to Hurricane. You thought you’d never see the day, though you had hopes that you’d return. It was your one goal once you became an adult. Mostly having the hope that you’d see the boy that had your heart and occupied your mind since you moved. Michael Afton. You had other boyfriends in your teen years and college years though they never compared to Mike.

Your neighbors were quiet friendly when you moved into your new house. They told you about your neighbor that lived next door to you. Said he worked the night shift at his job. Gee, that must suck. Though you have taken an interest in this next door neighbor of yours.

It took you a few days to get the guts to go over and introduce yourself but to say who it was, stunned you to your core.

Knocking at the door to his house, you heard a faint yell of a “coming” from behind the front door. You waited, slightly nervous as you rocked on the balls of your feet. You jumped a bit when the door opened and revealed a young man your age and he looked oddly familiar.

His blue eyes shifted to you, he had slight bags underneath his eyes must become of his night shift job. Your eyes widened and you gasped a bit.

“Mike?”

The young man widened his eyes too as you said his name. When he looked at you, he knew there was something familiar about you. He cleared his throat, trying to compose himself.

“Y/n?”

#fnaf x reader #michael afton #michael afton x reader #five nights at freddy's #fnaf fandom #x female reader #x fem!reader #michael afton fnaf #fnaf x you #fnaf lore

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tiny-pretty-sana · 11 months ago

Text

be as one | twice

pairings: nayeon x jeongyeon, momo x mina, sana x jihyo genre: christmas fluff warnings/tags: au, unnie line as mothers, school meal club as kids, twice reunion, stablished relationships, domestic fluff, christmas day, subtle past angst, now proofreaded and edited w/c: 11.3 K a/n: i wanted to post this for christmas but it's too cute to stay in my drafts, so take it as a belated christmas gift from me 🧸🤎

"Aren't you excited to meet the dogs?" Sana asks the little girl in the back seat as Jihyo watches her from the rearview mirror.

Tzuyu looks at her with her eyes wide open and nods her head sheepishly, being so shy you wouldn’t tell she has been waiting a whole week to meet not one but three doggies as promised by her new moms, Sana and Jihyo. They also told her she will meet two girls like her and their mothers, but this part of the deal is not as thrilling for her.

She is a really shy kid. She gets nervous in crowded places and it takes her a while to feel comfortable around new people. It took her around five visits to start talking back to Jihyo and Sana and she finally told them she wanted to go home with them after six months of almost weekly visits. So the idea of meeting six new people at the same time is not very appealing, that is why their moms have made sure their friends bring their dogs too.

Tzuyu loves dogs and Sana and Jihyo love Tzuyu. They are both willing to do whatever it takes to make her feel comfortable, safe, protected, cared for and heard.

A month ago she arrived home, since then the three of them are adjusting to their new life together. It is still an ongoing process, but with these small steps they hope that little by little this will become their new normal as a family. Soon she will have to start school, so when Jeongyeon told them that her sister had rented a hanok for her to spend Christmas with her family and invited them to join them with Momo and Mina as well, they did not hesitate to accept the offer. It would be the perfect opportunity to introduce them to Tzuyu and besides, their daughter could start socializing with children her age and it might go better than their attempts to get her to interact with other kids at the park.

A little farther away, in Jeongyeon and Nayeon's car, Chaeyoung asks her moms in concern "Does Tzuyu like strawberries?" while absent-mindedly caressing Kookeu that sleeps resting his head on the girl’s lap.

Jeongyeon sighs after losing count of how many questions her daughter has asked them about the new member of their unique family. After finding out she is not a baby but a six-year-old girl like her, her interest increased and she has been asking nonstop about her. Things like her favorite color, if she likes painting or drawing, what food she likes and a dozen other things that Nayeon and Jeongyeon can only answer by saying she can ask them herself when they arrive.

Something similar happens with Dahyun, although her questions are undoubtedly much more complicated,probably due to the one-year difference between the two. It all started because she doesn't understand how her aunts have had a daughter of Chaeyoung's age instead of a baby. “I don't get it,” she says, crossing her arms slightly frustrated and looking at her mother with distrust. "It doesn't make sense, mommy" she says fussing and raising her voice slightly "How can auntie Sana have a 6 year old girl in her belly? She can't fit in! And auntie Jihyo is even smaller!" she whines.

In the driver's seat, Momo tries to contain her laughter, but can't help letting out a chuckle at her last statement. Next to her, Mina just giggles as she realizes the reason behind her daughter’s worry, maybe they should have had a conversation about this whole thing earlier and not on the way to meet Tzuyu. However, with everything that Mina has had on her mind these past few weeks she has been letting the now inevitable conversation slide.

"Honey, Tzuyu doesn't come from Sana's or Jihyo's belly. Remember when we talked about the different types of families there are?" Mina begins to explain.

"Yes" Dahyun nods energetically. "Some people have a daddy and a mommy, other people have two daddies or two mommies and sometimes they have just a mommy like me, but there are as many types of families as there are colors" she quotes the explanation her mother has given her so many times.

Mina can't help but smile as she hears her daughter repeat word for word the phrase she has told her every time she leaves the father's information blank on school trip authorizations, when other children ask her where her dad is, or that time she had to make a family tree as homework. Her daughter knows these words by heart and she can only hope that Dahyun truly feels this way.

"That’s right love” she asserts. “There are also children who don't have parents and there are families who don't have children, so they adopt those children and become a family. Tzuyu used to have no mommy and daddy, but now she lives with Sana and Jihyo who are her mommies".

She speaks slowly taking into consideration every word that comes out of her mouth, trying to simplify it as best as she can, so that the information can be processed by the child's brain. Mina knows she has to make it easy and clear while discussing it with the importance that such a topic requires.

During the explanation Dahyun listens attentively and her mother can see her opening her mouth slightly showing the gap left by her baby teeth that are no longer there. Mina immediately recognizes that look, her daughter is considering all this new information and she gives her some time.

"What does it mean to adopt?" she asks, frowning at the new word.

This time it is Momo who gives an answer "It means they take her home to live with them and now they take care of her, give her hugs, help her get dressed, feed her...just like I did with Boo and-".

But before Momo can illustrate the definition, she is cut off by a slap from Mina on her thigh.

"Oh my god you're not comparing the dogs to Sana and Jihyo's daughter" Mina scolds her in a hushed tone so Dahyun can't hear her.

"Sorry" Momo mutters as she turns her attention back to the road.

The conversation is interrupted by Boo’s bark after hearing his name, still this distraction is not enough to stop the gears in the kid's mind. Both adults are willing to indulge her curiosity whether she is aware of the weight of the matter they are talking about or if this is just part of her ‘why?’ phase.

"But if she wasn’t in no one's belly, why is she their daughter?".

"She doesn't need to be in any of your aunt's belly" Mina smiles softly "Don't you love Momo?" she tries.

"I love Momo" she says, nodding quickly.

"And I love you, Dubu" Momo speaks again with a big smile.

"And she's your family, right?" Mina already knows the answer. It is something that has been confirmed by all the drawings pinned on the fridge door with three stick figures surrounded by hearts and joined by two circles with ears that are supposed to be Boo and Dobby.

"Yes!".

"But you weren't in her belly and Momo takes care of you just like I do. She makes you breakfast, walks you to school, takes care of you when you are sick, dances with you and lets you sit on the counter while she cooks. She loves you just like I do" she says, watching Momo's cheeks blush.

"MOMO IS ALSO MY MOTHER?!” she screams shocked by this newly found fact. Still surprised, she adds a second question “CAN I CALL HER MOM?" Dahyun screams again, causing Momo to almost swerve the car.

This time there is only one person who can answer the question, so Mina just looks at her partner with the most loving gaze while Momo is short-circuiting. It's not as if the conversation has never come up before, the two have talked about it many times and she knows that, to Momo, Dahyun is her daughter and that she loves her as such. Even if she hasn't vocalized it yet at least consciously. On some occasions the little girl has called her “mom” or “mommy”, but she always assumed she did it accidentally, so to hear from her own mouth that she wants to call her the same way she does with Mina is a big deal.

“S-sure” Momo stutters after a few seconds and just smiles widely.

Beside her, Mina feels like her chest is going to burst as she grabs Momo's hand and looks at her smiling with eyes sparkling with love. The truth is that for some time now when she thinks of family she no longer thinks only of Dahyun and her older brother but also of Momo, Boo and Dobby. When she thinks of family she thinks of her friends whom she sees as sisters and her daughters whom she sees as nieces. It's just a word, but it makes it all more real. They are a family.

In the front seats both women do their best to hold their tears back, behind them Dahyun starts rambling about how she will tell Chaeyoung that now she has two mothers too and that her mom can cook just like Jeongyeon, so she has a mom and a mommy who can cook yummy things as if it's some kind of competition. They know that at some point they will have to tell her that she should not brag about these things to other children, but for now they let her enjoy the moment.

The way is long, but they all think it is worth it when they see the stunning place that Jeongyeon's rich and famous sister has rented as a belated birthday present and an early Christmas present so that they can enjoy this holiday with their other family, the one that her sister and sister-in-law have built and chosen. The gift was well received and greatly appreciated by all, except for Mr. and Mrs. Yoo. Jeongyeon's parents did not like the idea of not spending Christmas spoiling their only granddaughter, but when her daughter told them that it would be a good opportunity to meet the newly adopted daughter of Jihyo and her wife, they were quick to ask her and Nayeon to organize a lunch at their house with all the kids. It took them only a few hours to buy matching pajamas for Chaeyoung and the other girls.

Now they are all in the large traditional style house surrounded by nature, away from the city, but close enough to a village not to be too isolated. The air is fresh, there is no pollution and the only thing that can be heard is the one or two birds, since at this time of the year most of them have flown to other places in search of higher temperatures. Without a doubt, it is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and take a well-deserved rest that will last until the last days of the year. The truth is that there is still no agreement on whether they will celebrate the New Year here as well, but at least they will stay long enough to celebrate Sana's birthday together.

They all arrive around the same time and as soon as the cars stop two little girls who are a bundle of nerves jump out of Jeongyeon and Jihyo's cars.

"BROOOOOOO!" they both scream at the same time as they do their – not so secret – handshake before melting into an embrace as if they hadn't seen each other a few days ago at school.

Mina sighs and covers her face with her hand "I need to have a word with my brother" she says aloud as a reminder to herself.

"I think she's so funny and adorable" Momo replies.

"Momoring, you are the least objective person in the world when it comes to these two" she smiles at her girlfriend. "They can literally do anything and you'd say they're adorable."

Between all the fuss caused by the two children, who are slightly over a meter tall, Tzuyu goes almost unnoticed for a few seconds as she clings to Sana's leg and grabs Jihyo's hand with her other hand.

"These are Chaeyoung and Dahyun, I promise you they are usually quieter" Jihyo informs Tzuyu as Sana laughs at the sight of the two's handshake and greeting.

At the sound of their names the two immediately turn their heads to their Aunt Jihyo and then to the girl holding her hand. Their eyes widen and point at her, then they look at their aunt again and it is Dahyun who speaks first.

"Is she Tzuyu?" she asks in excitement.

Jihyo and Sana nod at the same time while Tzuyu shyly waves her hand without saying a word.

They again turn their gaze to Tzuyu and then look at each other.

"You are very pretty" Chayeoung says, looking at her again.

"You are very tall" Dahyun says.

“Thank you” Tzuyu says almost in a whisper while she tries to hide even more behind Sana’s legs.

The rest of the women, noticing how scared their new niece looks, decide to give her some space before starting the introductions. For now she has enough with their enthusiastic daughters.

"Why don't we start taking things inside?" Jeongyeon asks, drawing the attention away from the timid girl. "You girls can give the dogs a walk so they can pee, since there are three I think we're going to need Tzuyu's help, don't you think?".

The children nod their heads and Tzuyu’s eyes light up at the suggestion, because since she got out of the car she hasn't taken her eyes off the three doggies still waiting in the cars for their seat belts to be unbuckled.

"Tzuyu would love that, right?" Sana states as she crouches down to Tzuyu's height to explain that she is her friend Jeongyeon, the mom of Chaeyoung and a pomeranian named Kookeu.

She just nods and stays silent but lets herself be guided by Sana, who walks with her to Momo's car, where Dahyun starts with the introductions. She introduces herself first, then her mommy Mina, her mom Momo. The latter who introduces her to Boo and Dobby while she puts the leashes on them and hands Boo's to Dahyun and Dobby's to Tzuyu who, despite her shyness, is clearly filled with joy.

At all times Sana stays by her side and gives her comforting glances every time she looks up and gently squeezes her hand reminding her that she is by her side. The gesture reassures Tzuyu who dares to thank Dahyun, Momo and Mina and then says in a whisper "I am Tzuyu, nice to meet you", just as her moms have taught her.

Dahyun smiles as she grabs the leash and seconds later Chaeyoung and Kookeu join in. This time, the oldest girl introduces Chaeyoung and Tzuyu formally, explaining that they are both the same age even though Chaeyoung is shorter and Tzuyu is even taller than Dahyun herself. Sana watches the interaction closely and can't help but laugh, her heart melts every time she sees Dahyun taking on the role of unnie as she usually does with Chae, and now doing it with her own daughter. She walks and watches over the three of them as they explore the surroundings of the house with the dogs before going inside while the rest of the mothers are taking bags and backpacks full of clothes, food, supplies and - of course - gifts out of the cars while the girls are distracted and out of sight.

"No, no, no, no" they hear Nayeon say as she takes some bags from her wife's hands.

"Oh come on honey, are you serious?" grumbles Jeongyeon.

"I'm dead serious, join Sana and the girls. I'm not going to let you carry anything."

"Nayeon... Even if I was you-know-what, I could carry this. I'm already following all the precautions and recommendations as well as having a bunch of vitamins, but I'm not going to be getting the pregnant woman treatment as if I can't do anything. I refuse to do that" she argues and in response receives a negative head shake.

"Look, I have a good feeling so I'm not going to let you carry anything. And the only reason I'm letting you drive, for now, is because we both know that between you and me only one of us is capable of driving us safely to a house in the middle of the mountains. And obviously the one who owns a car with scratches in the three colors of the parking column is not the one".

"Don't tell me you scratched the car again" sighs Jeongyeon tiredly.

"Don't change the subject and go inside the house now or go stretch your legs a bit with your daughter before we lose her among these plants that I'm sure are taller than her."

After hearing her reasoning, Jeongyeon has no choice but to accept his wife's suggestion and joins Sana, the three girls and the three dogs.

Once inside the house, Nayeon, Momo, Jihyo and Mina put everything in order and catch up with each other. Since the friend group was formed they try to see each other regularly and in the case of Momo, Mina and Nayeon - along with Jeongyeon - they often see each other at school and occasionally on play dates in the park. However, with the hectic pace of work, raising their daughters and taking care of the house, sometimes it is almost impossible to meet all of them together. Besides the fact that Jihyo and Sana have been practically absent these last few months, since they spent some time preparing everything for Tzuyu's arrival at home, and that this last month has been entirely dedicated to adapting to this new situation. This is the main topic of conversation among the women who ask Jihyo how she is handling it, if it is difficult, assure her that the best is yet to come, ask her how Sana has been doing and give her some parenting tips.

Jihyo is euphoric, she and Sana are the extroverts of the group and in general she is a very vocal person, but it is more than obvious to everyone that she is more talkative than usual. It is not the first time they see her like this, she was the same way when she met Tzuyu for the first time and when they started the adoption procedure. They love to see their friends like this and Mina and Nayeon remember that feeling of being new moms and how their friends were there to share the joy, fears and doubts. For a moment they are both brought back to the times when they listened to them talk for hours about names, diapers, cribs, milk, clothes, ultrasounds and a thousand other things.

In fact, it was Jihyo and Sana who were present during their pregnancies, respectively. Jihyo was the one who took Nayeon, who was suffering from contractions, to the hospital while Jeongyeon at her side told her how to breathe, even though she was the one who needed the breathing exercises the most at that moment. And well, Sana was even present when Mina gave birth to Dahyun taking the place of the biological father - or the sperm donor as Sana calls him -.

Momo, despite being the most recent addition to the group, almost three years ago, shares the excitement equally as the three of them listen to the first anecdotes that Sana and Jihyo have already experienced with Tzuyu at home. The truth is that they have all been hearing about her for more than half a year and although today they have finally met her, they already feel that they have known her for a long time and that she is part of their family.

"And it looks like Jihyo and Sana aren't the only new moms in the group, right Momo?" asks Nayeon arching her eyebrows looking at her "new" best friend.

Mina hearing it can't help but smile and Jihyo makes a surprised face, they both look at Momo who smiles shyly.

"That’s right" she says while still smiling "Dubu has officially given me the title".

"I was honestly surprised she hadn't called her mom by now. There are times she looks more like your daughter than mine" she says to Momo as she holds out her hand and strokes it with her thumb.

Mina takes advantage of Nayeon bringing up the topic of conversation and explains that it all came up in the car talking about Tzuyu and the adoption thing. Nayeon almost gets tears of laughter listening to Dahyun's confusion with the logistics, and like Momo she can't help but let out a laugh when she hears that one of the things she was really worried about is that Jihyo would have had someone so big in her belly when she was so small. Nayeon, for her part thanks aloud that Chae's questions were not so complicated, although they all agree that she and Jeongyeon have admirable patience after hearing that the questions didn't stop during the three-hour drive.

Jihyo's heart warms, despite her height being a joke even to her seven-year-old niece, listening to how the little ones have taken the news. It was a fact for her that both her friends and their daughters would welcome Tzuyu with open arms, but hearing the girls' doubts and their mothers' responses gives her peace of mind knowing that her daughter is surrounded by such wonderful people. For a while she felt guilty for not being able to give Tzuyu some grandparents to spoil her since the relationship with her own parents is non-existent and given that Sana's parents live in another country, but that thought disappears from her head when she listens to her friends. This is her family.

Not only is she comforted by listening to the three women but she takes note of their experiences and especially Mina's explanation to her daughter about the different types of families in case she ever has to use it with her daughter.

"Wow that's great" says Jihyo excitedly "Tzuyu still calls us by our name from time to time, but at least she has stopped calling us Mrs. Jihyo and Mrs. Sana" she laughs.

Once everything is in place, Mina starts preparing tea for the adults and milkshakes for the girls. Chocolate for Dahyun, strawberry for Chaeyoun and for Tzuyu... When she is about to look for Jihyo to ask her about it, the three dogs run in followed by the two children, Jeongyeon and finally Tzuyu who hasn't left Sana's side the whole time. Seeing the cute scene makes Mina smile tenderly, it reminds her a bit of herself when she was a child, so she can't help but laugh a little as she imagines how such a shy girl will handle having the most outgoing people she knows as mothers, for now they seem to be handling it quite well. She doesn't remember seeing Sana this calm in her life.

"Tzuyu, which milkshake do you prefer? We have chocolate, strawberry and vanilla" she asks her.

The girl looks first at her mother who gives her a little squeeze on the shoulder encouraging her to answer herself, even though she already knows the answer.

"Vanilla, please. Thank you" she replies immediately.

"Good choice. Dahyun is going to be delighted but you might break Chaeyoung's heart".

"Don't worry about that part, Mitang. We brought that ice cream that has all three flavors and I think everyone will be happy" says Sana looking at her daughter.

"Is Jihyo still competing with Nayeon for the favorite aunt spot?" Mina asks while Sana nods, rolling her eyes. "I think Nayeon brought the ingredients to make hot chocolate, I just hope Dahyun doesn't try to eat it all."

Sana laughs and replies "If it happens let's hope then she won't get a stomach ache like that time. I just can't stop Jihyo, you know how she is. She is very sexy when she gets into competitive mode."

"Have some decorum" she says laughing, covering half of her face with her hand and looking towards the little girl. "I can imagine, it's going to be fun when school starts. Remember when Nayeon almost got into a fight with a parent on sports day."

The two laugh while Tzuyu plays distractedly with her mom’s fingers and rings. The conversation does not last much longer because when the girl sees the dogs, she asks her mother to come with her to play with them.

As soon as Sana disappears from the kitchen Jeongyeon shows up, offering to help Mina, but they both know it's just an excuse. Like Momo and Nayeon, they haven't known each other practically all their lives - as is Jeongyeon's case with Nayeon and Jihyo - but from the beginning they connected very well and are now quite close probably because of how similar their personalities are. As people who sometimes deal with a bit of anxiety and have a tendency to overthink, they have found someone to lean on who understands them.

"You haven't done it yet, have you? "Jeongyeon asks Mina first.

She shakes her head "I've tried, I promise. But the truth is I'm glad I waited, if you give me a hand tonight I think I will do it" she says, unable to hide her gummy smile as she thinks about it.

"Yeah sure, just tell me what you have in mind and we'll find time to set it up."

"Same goes for you, I overheard your conversation with Nayeon earlier. So if there's anything I can help with, let me know" she offers.

"Don't worry about me, I've got it all planned out, Mitang" she tells her as she starts placing the cups of tea and milkshakes on a tray. "Or should I say bro" she teases her.

"Oh shut up Jeong, I'm regretting letting my brother babysit. The other day she called me 'bro'!" she says, making her friend laugh.

When Mina and Jeongyeon appear in the living room, they all sit around a table and start drinking tea while the girls drink their milkshakes, obviously Tzuyu's choice of flavor doesn't go unnoticed by the other two. Just as Mina predicted, Dahyun couldn't be happier to keep all the chocolate for herself while Chaeyoung is a little put off that her new friend doesn't share her passion for strawberries, although she is more reassured when she tells her that her favorite is vanilla but she also really likes strawberries. Chae and Dahyun soon get up to start exploring the house and play hide and seek while Tzuyu, still overwhelmed by all these new people, stays by herself playing with the dogs.

She talks to them, throws the ball and tries to teach them tricks although the only one who responds to her commands is Kookeu. They all look at Tzuyu with adoring eyes as they see how tender she is with the animals while Nayeon's look of pride is directed at her beloved dog. Still she can't resist how adorable her new niece is so she takes the moment to introduce herself while showing her the tricks she has taught the pomeranian, making Tzuyu feel more comfortable. She is a shy and quiet girl and it is normal that the situation is too much for her, but as soon as they start talking about dogs, Nayeon gets to see the Tzuyu that Jihyo and Sana have already known within the walls of their home. She is lively, smiling, intelligent and can become talkative when the topic of conversation interests her, at least if it's about dogs.

After a while, Chayeoung goes to look for Tzuyu who is still playing with Kookeu and her mom while Dahyun makes a loud announcement for the adults. It seems that they have found a Christmas tree so big that it almost touches the ceiling with some boxes around it with all kinds of decorations in one of the rooms of the house, some of them similar to the ones they have at home and the ones they themselves have made at school. For the girls it is something magical and the adults let them believe it.

The next few hours they are all together decorating the tree, both kids and adults, while talking, laughing and singing. The end result is... colorful and eclectic. The tree has lights, ornaments of different colors and shapes that they had at home, the girls have collaborated with diy decorations full of glitter and doodles and some stuffed animals and superhero toys and even Mina and Jeongyeon have made their contribution with ornaments made of LEGO. All that's left is to put the star on the top of the tree.

Deciding who puts the star turns into a rock-paper-scissors competition between Chaeyoung and Dahyun, but also between Nayeon and Jihyo who want their daughters to place the star. After three rounds, Sana encourages her wife who has already rolled up her shirt sleeves showing her shoulders and is wearing her cap backwards. It is not until Jeongyeon sees the same competitive expression on her wife and daughter's face that she decides to put an end to it. Fortunately, they make the wise decision to have the three girls together put on the star with the help of their mothers. Jeongyeon, being the tallest of them all, has no problem holding Chaeyoung in her arms. Mina is a little taller than Momo, but her daughter has grown up and she finds it harder to carry her in her arms as she did before, so the girl ends up in the arms of Momo. The same happens with Sana and Jihyo, however, Jihyo's strength does not make up for her height even though Tzuyu is quite tall so she reluctantly lets Sana hold Tzuyu while Nayeon looks at her amused.

Each one of their little hands holds a part of the star with the help of their mothers and it is Nayeon who captures the moment first with her film camera and then with her phone, sending the photos to the group chat instantly. As soon as she receives the photo, Mina smiles when she sees one of them with only Momo and her daughter in it and quickly makes it her new lockscreen. The camera stays in Nayeon's hands for the rest of the day.

Decorating the tree together gets the youngest out of her shell, still she continues to play with the dogs, but she also starts playing with Dahyun and Chaeyoung. They run around the house for a while until Chaeyoung takes out her notebook, coloring books and crayons. In the kitchen Jeongyeon, Momo and Mina prepare lunch and in the dining room Sana, Jihyo and Nayeon set the table. The house is full of voices, laughter, jokes, curious questions from the girls and some barking from the dogs and also the children. When the food is ready all nine manage to adjust to the small table eating with their arms glued to the one next to them. They wouldn't change it for the world, but they comment that they should come back during the spring or summer so they might be able to eat at the large outdoor table under the sakura tree to enjoy the beautiful place where they are. From that moment some of them take out their phones and start looking at dates on the calendar, but Mina's mind travels to other places when she hears that the big tree outside the house is a sakura.

After eating and cleaning up together with the help of their daughters, they go around the house. Surprisingly, they get the girls to agree to take a nap, probably tired from being up early and having been awake throughout the long car ride. Jihyo joins them, as do Boo and Dobby who find a gap between Dahyun and Tzuyu, the younger one snuggles up to Jihyo's chest who even in her sleep puts her arms around her protectively, something that has come naturally to her.

In another room the rest have some Japanese sweets made by Mina and Momo with a game of cards between them, without Jihyo and Chaeyoung, there is no one to fuel Nayeon's competitiveness, leading to the most peaceful card game they have had in their life. It's certainly something that tends to happen when Nayeon is around Mina as long as Jihyo and some kind of game, competition or betting isn't also present and it seems that Tzuyu has that same effect on her mothers. But like all good things, the quiet is short lived and in less than an hour the girls wake up and show up with Jihyo, she could still take another hour of rest. She instead sits behind Sana resting her chin on her shoulder and wrapping her arms around her until she realizes that her wife has some cards in her hands and after giving Nayeon a defiant look she starts whispering strategies in her partner's ear.

Dahyun realizes that they are playing cards and runs to her backpack and takes out her UNO junior and they start a more serious and less noisy game than their mothers. If it wasn't for the colors and the printed animals on the cards, anyone would think that they are the ones who are betting money and not Jihyo and Nayeon who keep shouting while Sana only laughs. This time it is Momo who captures the moment on film after being the first to lose in the game. She sits next to Dobby and Boo and caresses them while watching and listening to them. She can't help but smile as she listens to the questions they ask Tzuyu trying to get to know her. When the game ends in a draw by Dahyun's decision and without any protest from Chaeyoung and Tzuyu, even though Momo doubts they have understood the game well, she finally asks.

"Who wants to make cookies?".

The question revolts the three little girls who immediately get up and squeal an enthusiastic "YES YES YES!" in unison joined by an excited Sana.

Momo takes them to the kitchen where there are two bags with everything they need. From the first bag she takes out three aprons like the one she wears in her restaurant, but these are a smaller version with each one's name embroidered on them. This small detail touches them so much that for a moment they forget the reason why they have put them on and Sana, despite not having an apron for herself, gives Momo a huge smile and says "thank you", touched by her friend's gesture.

In the end the little cooking class that Momo had prepared attracts the attention of the older ones as well and they all end up in the kitchen among flour, eggs, dough, icing and all kinds of toppings with all kinds of colors. Of course, they replace the Christmas gingerbread cookies with chocolate cookies, vanilla flavored cookies and cookies with strawberry icing to please everyone's tastes. Some mix, some knead, some shape the cookies and then bake them, and each one ends up with a pile of cookies to decorate according to her taste and decorating skills. When they are done with the cookies, they all dare to make a big cookie house, all nine of them.

To say that when they finished the kitchen was the usual mess you would expect after cooking would be an understatement, as it took almost as long to clean up as it did to make dozens of cookies and the eccentric cookie house. When everything is finally cooled down, they make some hot chocolate and coffee with whipped cream, marshmallow, caramel... Then again they gather around the table with a cup in their hands.

It's not very late, but it's been dark for a few hours now and the only light outside is from the lamps hanging from the ceilings of the house, some small bulbs decorating the garden of the house and the lights of some houses in the distance. They all take it as their cue to shower and get ready for bed, at least for the kids who instead of getting more and more tired are more and more animated as the evening comes and the time when Santa Claus will bring them their presents is closer.

There are only three girls, each under the care of two adults, but it takes them more than an hour to get them showered and dressed in their matching pajamas in the bed they have prepared for them. At first Tzuyu does not seem very sure about the idea, not that she is not used to it, in fact she used to sleep in a room with about ten or fifteen other girls, but this month she has spent it in the bed between Sana and Jihyo because she is still not able to sleep alone and now the idea of sleeping without them does not convince her.

"Come on, Tzuyu, sleep with us!" asks Chaeyoung, who can't stay away from her new friend.

"Sleep with us Tzuyu, you can sleep in the middle, since you are the little one we can take care of you just like when I let Chae the side of the wall so she won't fall" Dahyun tries to convince her.

That last statement just melts the heart of all the women who are watching their little negotiation, but especially Sana and Jihyo. They are no strangers to these special moments between girls but now, witnessing it as mothers, hits different.

"I have an idea" interjects Sana. "I will read a bedtime story to the three of you so Tzu can test if she likes this bed and if she likes it you can leave her one of the sides so she can come to our room if she needs it" she says while looking at her daughter who nods in agreement with the solution offered by her mommy.

"Yes, read it, auntie Sana!" exclaims Chae excitedly as Dahyun nods.

They love listening to Sana’s bedtime stories and the funny voices she does and Sana loves to read them bedtime stories. It has always been her favorite part of babysitting either of them and on occasion when she and Jihyo would invite them to have a sleepover at home giving their moms a break while at the same time she could enjoy something she thought she would never have until Tzuyu came into their lives. Sana has always had a very strong maternal instinct and with these things it shows even more. Her storytelling, answering the strangest questions and convincing three kids excited for Christmas to be in bed even before their usual bedtime are things that come naturally to her. Jihyo feels like her heart is about to explode when she sees these kinds of scenes and her friends couldn't be happier for her, to see that finally something she once saw as an impossible dream is now a reality.

Normally the only one who usually stays awake until the end of the tale is Chae because she gets absorbed with each story and can't sleep unless she hears the end, but this time Sana has to read them up to three stories until they all finally fall asleep.

Eventually it's time for the adults to relax, drink some wine, beer or soju and be able to talk and gossip without having to keep an eye on their surroundings to make sure that there is not a half-meter girl that they can badly influence if they hear them say a swear word or talk about some inappropriate topic. From time to time one of them goes to the room to check that everything is alright and that they are still asleep.

Once again, Mina somewhat nervously finds an excuse to drag Jeongyeon into the kitchen where she finally tells her about her plan and asks her to keep an eye out in case Dahyun wakes up or needs her while asking for some discretion. As she leaves the kitchen she heads to her room and returns with two coats, giving one to Momo to go with her to get some air. The others either don't notice or for Mina's sake pretend not to notice except for Jeongyeon who gives her a subtle thumbs up.

Her obvious nervousness and shaking hands suddenly catches Momo's attention causing her cheerful and slightly drunk expression to change to a worried face holding Mina's hands immediately.

"Babe, has anything happened, has your family called?" asks Momo worriedly knowing it's one of the things that triggers Mina's anxiety around this time of the year.

"No, no. Everything is fine" Mina assures her with a nervous smile and unable to hold her gaze.

"We've already talked about this, your hands are shaking. You can tell me anything, Mina. I got you" says Momo wrapping her arms around her and Mina can only feel lucky to have someone like that by her side.

She lets herself be taken in by the embrace and breathes in Momo's perfume, something that always soothes her, before pulling away and starting to talk.

"Baby, I'm okay. I promise" she says, grabbing her hands to stop the shaking of her own hands. "But if I'm going to need you to listen to me".

Momo nods and looks at her expectantly.

"I'm going to need us to move to that tree" she says pointing to the huge tree that by this time has not a single leaf or flower.

Once they are under the tree sitting on a small wooden bench while holding hands looking into each other's eyes, the youngest takes a breath and begins her speech.

"This isn't as cute as I had originally envisioned in my mind, but this is a sakura tree" she says gesturing awkwardly as if she is introducing the tree as the other looks at her in confusion. "I don't know if you remember" she takes a deep breath trying to calm her nerves so her voice doesn't sound so shaky. "But when things started to get serious between us, when I was afraid to let you into my life and Dahyun's, you told me that when you looked at the two of us you felt the same as when you saw the sakura blooming in the spring when you had only been here in Korea for a short time because they made you feel at home. I feel something like that too. When I think of you I think of family and when I think of family Dahyun's face is not the only one I see, I see you too." She thinks about her words for a bit and adds "It's not like I didn't see you as part of my family before, but today when Dahyun started calling you 'mom' I felt like everything was finally in place.... W-what I want to say is that I want you to be our Dubu's mom, I want to say that you are my daughter's mom when people ask me and I also want to say that you are my wife" she finishes saying with bright eyes full of tears while looking at Momo in expectation.

Momo also has some tears in the corners of her eyes and can barely articulate any words for a moment until she finally says "Minari, are you asking me to marry you?" she asks with a smile from ear to ear.

"Yes, s-sorry I forgot the most important thing" she stutters nervously searching for the ring in the pockets of the huge jacket until she finally pulls out a small velvet box and opens it before her eyes "I wanted to wait for the sakuras bloom season, but I couldn't wait any longer and when she asked if she could call you mom-" she starts to ramble as she does when she gets nervous.

They have been together for two years and ten months. It still happens to her at times like this. It still happens to her just like it did during the dozens of encounters they had until Momo understood that her best customer might be interested in more than just the Japanese food she missed so much and finally asked her if she would like to meet outside her restaurant. Mina hates that she still makes her stutter sometimes and for Momo it is one of her favorite things in the world to know that despite the time they’ve been together she still has the same effect on Mina.

Suddenly she feels Momo's lips crashing against hers in an clumsy and rushed kiss, but full of emotions. Their arms are wrapped around each other's body and they can feel their cheeks wet with tears as the older one pulls away and softly says "Yes!".

"Let me ask you the question!" she whines. "Hirai Momo, will you marry me?" she finally asks, resting one knee to the ground and all.

"Yes. I will marry you, Myoui Mina" she says laughing at the use of her full name.

Momo smiles as she sees her with one knee on the ground giving her the ring, a scene she thought she would never experience like so many other things when she discovered she liked girls in her last year of high school. Now she has the most beautiful woman in the world saying she wants her to be a mother and a wife, asking her once again to make a family together. They are already family and they both know that the ring doesn't change anything because they have been a family since the moment Mina decided to introduce Momo as her girlfriend in front of her friends and then her daughter, when Dahyun started treating Dobby and Boo like her own dogs, when Momo offered to pick up her daughter from school when Mina couldn't, when Mina asked her if she would like to live with her and Dahyun, when Momo started calling the little girl Dubu and started reading her bedtime stories or just a few hours ago when Dahyun asked her if she could call her mom.

"I'm sorry but Nayeon and Sana's rings are going to have to go to the other hand", Mina teases her being now more relaxed, taking her out of her thoughts while she takes her hand and starts to put the ring on it.

It is a thin, simple, white gold ring decorated with three diamonds, while she puts the engagement ring on her finger she explains that since she prefers simple rings she thought it would probably be better to have a few small diamonds than one big one and that she liked the idea of three diamonds because they are three. This time she explains it more calmly, as if she isn't feeling her heart pounding in her chest and ears at full speed.

"I love you" says Momo, this time in her mother tongue.

"I love you, Momoring".

It's been spontaneous, no picnic in the spring watching the sakuras bloom and no dinner at the nice restaurant she saw when they passed through the nearby village and the speech she's been preparing for a month was forgotten as soon as she saw how Momo cared about her when she thought something bad had happened, but Mina couldn't care less. Momo has said yes to continue having a life together now with the promise of forever and that's all she needs.

It's cold and the first snowflakes are starting to fall from what looks like it will be the first snow of the year. Neither of them move, enjoying a little alone time before going back inside the house. The two cuddle and kiss, some of those kisses are short pecks on the lips and some turn into heated kisses that leave them breathless. When Mina's freezing hands sneak under several layers of clothing to caress the skin of Momo's stomach under her shirt sending a shiver throughout her body they go back inside.

When they come back they all know, even though all she asked Jeongyeon to do was to keep an eye on Dahyun and keep her mouth shut. You can't really blame her, the time they were there for them felt like an instant but it was really over forty five minutes of listening to Nayeon and Jihyo listing every moment they had told her some secret or gossip since they have known each other while Sana was about to have a breakdown thinking they were arguing and thinking about what she would do if they made her pick a side. All this while her social battery was at a minimum, so she ended up confessing everything and even shared some parts of the speech Mina had texted her asking if it was too cheesy.

As soon as she enters the door all eyes turn to Momo's hand and before Nayeon, Sana and Jihyo start to scream, Jihyo shuts Sana's mouth with her hand and Jeongyeon covers Nayeon and Jihyo's mouths. Mina and Momo are a blushing mess trying to hide in each other's neck while Jeongyeon apologizes for announcing it before them, knowing that they would have preferred to say it one by one to avoid this.

The three of them start asking them a million questions and start planning their wedding. Then Sana whines about not being the first to know but it doesn't last long because they all agree that she would have been so happy that she would have told the others and maybe even Momo herself if Mina had told her about her plans. After a while Jihyo shows up with more soju and even a bottle of champagne she had prepared in case they stayed to celebrate New Year's Eve, but the occasion is worth it. And if there's one thing Jihyo doesn't mess around with, it's alcohol, so you can trust that it's some good, expensive champagne.

They all toast to Momo and Mina's engagement with champagne except for Jeongyeon who raises her cup of tea, no one is shocked because since she started the artificial insemination treatments she has not been drinking for months, but they all need to know as soon as possible if she is finally pregnant because they really need to get used to the idea that Nayeon is going to keep drinking for the two of them at every celebration. Nayeon is not a bad drinker, but when she is drunk she can’t stay still for a second, she even becomes more giggly and hits the arm of anyone next to her. Jihyo and Jeongyeon tell that sometimes during their college outings they would wake up with bruises on their arms.

When they decide it's way too late and they have to place all the presents under the tree, the only one who is drunk – thankfully – is Nayeon. Momo and Sana have a slight blush on their cheeks while Jihyo has drunk twice as much as Nayeon and is doing better than Mina who has only had a glass of champagne because it is her own engagement, but is still a bit dizzy from today's emotions.

It doesn't take them long to place the gifts despite Nayeon's interruptions and her and Sana's giggles threatening to wake up the girls. Luckily, Jeongyeon and Momo go a couple of times to check that they are sound asleep when they hear a soft snore from one of them.

They all say their good nights among smiles and laughter, feeling as excited as their daughters to open the presents as a family. Each couple disappears into their respective rooms and the moment they lay their heads on the pillow, they all fall asleep instantly. It has been an intense day and the best is yet to come.

The next morning they are all woken up at 7 am one by one by the three girls who only scream "CHRISTMAS", "SANTA" and "PRESENTS". The strategy they follow is the same, Dahyun and Chaeyoung come in screaming and jumping on top of the adults shaking them followed by Tzuyu who is less shy around them but not enough to assault the adults like her friends do, so she just carefully tugs at their pajama sleeves while the others do the rest of the work. When they arrive at Nayeon and Jeongyeon's room things are different and Chaeyoung instructs the attack to be directed only at Nayeon because she has told her that she has to be careful with her mama.

The older ones have only had a couple of hours of sleep and some have a slight headache, but they make their way to the tree at about the same speed as their daughters until all nine are seated around the tree. Nayeon takes pictures with her camera while Momo has her cell phone in one hand and a video camera in the other with the intention of recording at least the highlights. Each time she checks that the camera settings are correct she can't help but smile at the sight of the new ring that now decorates her hand.

Finally it's time to open the presents.

Dahyun receives a small digital piano that is halfway between a toy and a real one for starters with a microphone, lately she is in her singer and rapper phase. Momo and Mina know that in a few days they might regret giving her not one but two things that make noise. They also know that they will end up dancing and singing with her or that they will enjoy the small recitals that their little Dubu organizes at home. Another surprise they have prepared is for her to start piano lessons, but first they have to make sure that she knows they would be real piano lessons and that it is not like when she plays her toy piano keyboard at home. They also give her some books from her favorite collection and of course, chocolate.

Chaeyoung, like every Christmas, birthday or any other special occasion, receives paints, sketch pads, watercolors, pencils and other art supplies that are of better quality as she gets older. The little girl always gets excited as if it were the first time she gets them as a gift because in a month half of the things are already used up and her mothers no longer knows where to keep so many drawings. The last gift she opens, however, is something that makes her even more excited and that is a toy set to make temporary tattoos with markers. Since she was a toddler, she has had the habit of painting all over her arms and legs even before she could speak, and now there is not a day that goes by that she doesn't come home with a drawing in one hand and a note from her teacher in the other. When Nayeon saw the advertisement for the toy while she was on her phone, she ordered it online and it has been hidden in a corner of her house since summer.

Both Chaeyoung and Dahyun have among their gifts a package of a different color than the rest, Dahyun insists that Santa Claus knows they are bros and that's why he always gives them something that matches. The truth is that it's Jihyo and Sana who always get their nieces something special, since they didn't have a child to buy presents for until now. The fact that this year Tzuyu has come into their lives is not going to change this little tradition. This time Dahyun receives a stuffed eagle and Chaeyoung a tiger, their favorite animals. The choice of the oldest is surprising and even more surprising is that the couple found a cute stuffed animal of an eagle.

As for the new member of the family, she has been receiving gifts from her mothers ever since she arrived at her new home. Most of them such as clothes, school supplies, books and toys were just things that a 7-year-old girl needs at home, but Sana and Jihyo are still in the excitement of being new mothers so it is likely that she has been spoiled a little too much. After asking their friends for advice, they decided it was best to give her a few meaningful gifts rather than showering her with presents as they originally planned.

They didn't count on the fact that Tzuyu, given where she came from and with her background, is not the type of kid who asks for things, instead if she likes something you can see it on her face and maybe she mentions it because it has genuinely caught her attention and not because she is asking for it in a subtle way. They are both very happy to have such a good little girl and know that anything will be welcomed with sincere joy as they have seen so far, however it has made the job of being Santa difficult for them. Luckily, since they discovered Tzuyu's passion for dogs, it was clear to them what the perfect gift would be. A dog, this was the perfect gift, except that they had their doubts about it. After much discussion and thinking about it, Jihyo and Sana agreed that they didn't want to be the kind of mothers who give a dog as it was a toy for Christmas, especially after listening to Jeongyeon talking about how many dogs arrive at the shelter a few months after Christmas when they are no longer adorable puppies.

Tzuyu for the first time receives presents that are actually for her and not generic toys donated to the orphanage. On her first Christmas with her new family Tzuyu opens a package bigger than her and almost the size of Jihyo, it is a life-size golden retriever stuffed dog that makes Tzuyu cry instantly. As soon as the stuffed dog is free from the wrapping paper the little girl hugs it tightly and goes to her mothers and hugs both of them.

"Thank you mommy Sana, thank you mommy Ji" she says sobbing making her mothers also cry with her.

"You don't have to thank us Tzu" says Sana as Jihyo picks up her and the huge stuffed dog in her arms. "Santa got it for you because you've been such a good girl".

"All we did was tell Santa that you changed your address" Jihyo adds and kisses her on the head.

There are still two gifts to be opened, one of them an illustrated book about dogs and then a letter that her mommy Ji has to read to her. It is an invitation to visit the shelter and help the dogs living there. At the bottom of the invitation are a pair of paw prints of different dogs for which Sana and Jihyo are very grateful to Jeongyeon who has also offered to be the one to accompany them to the shelter where she started volunteering and where she now works as a veterinarian.

The other two children don't quite know what is going on, so they clap their hands when their mothers assure them that they are crying from happiness and not sadness. They themselves try to hold back their tears and in Nayeon's case hide them by covering themselves with the camera as she captures the emotional moment.

The next picture they take is one of the girls holding their stuffed animals. Dahyun poses like a rapper, Chaeyoun still doesn't know how to smile in photos and next to her Tzuyu stares at the camera with her eyes a little too wide. They take a total of thirty photos of them and they all agree that it's best to save those photos for posterity and not for social media. Luckily, the girls come out much better when they get their pictures taken while playing and Nayeon keeps saying that she can wait to develop the two rolls of film she has already spent since they arrived the day before.

After the photos it's time for the older ones to open the gifts and as with the card game the task of telling who is more mature is difficult. Of course, Nayeon turns it into another rock-paper-scissors competition to choose the order and Jihyo accepts so the others are dragged into the game. The oldest loses and in addition to enduring her wounded pride, Nayeon will have to wait until the end to receive the gift.

Contrary to other years when they have played secret friend, they have preferred to take the easy way and the gifts are only between the couples with the only condition that they are not allowed to give each other inappropriate gifts in front of the children. A rule especially addressed to Sana who on all Jihyo's birthdays gives her a lingerie set which is actually for herself and which Jihyo accepts with too much enthusiasm in front of all of them.

Sana gives Jihyo a designer leather jacket, a bottle of a really expensive soju that Jihyo loves with some glasses with a nice and elegant design to match the bottle. "I'll give you your other gift later in the room" Sana whispers in her ear before giving her a kiss.

Nayeon gifts Jeongyeon a fancy watch and a letter which she asks her to read another time and is quite insistent that she doesn't read it in front of the others.

Mina tells Momo that her gift was given to her in the evening, but she has a small present. In the package there is a t-shirt with a drawing of the family done by Dahyun, there are a total of five t-shirts and Momo for a moment freaks out at the sight of two small t-shirts until Mina tells her that they are for Boo and Dobby making everyone laugh at Momo's momentary panic.

In between laughter, there is a loud sob and suddenly they all realize that Jeongyeon is crying her eyes out as she reads the letter. "Jeong! I told you not to read it!" says Nayeon in between laughing and crying as he wraps her arms around her wife and whispers "Well it's already in the letter, I love you baby." At another time her friends would have teased them, but Jeongyeon seems to be truly touched so they leave the couple a moment and continue.

Mina is next and receives a LEGO set that Momo has caught her looking up more than once when they go to the mall and a Nintendo Switch game, as well as a simple necklace adorned with three hearts. Mina loves it all and Momo is still surprised that jewelry always ends up being the gift that costs her the least money and effort.

Sana is confused when she receives an envelope from Jihyo because she has always been very thoughtful with gifts and usually gets her a seasonal branded bag among other things. What she sees in the envelope, however, makes her scream in excitement more than any bag when she sees the tickets to go to Japan with theirs and Tzuyu's names on it. "Let's go see your parents next week, so they can finally meet their granddaughter," Jihyo says before she has to look up the details on the tickets herself.

Last of all is Nayeon. Finally her turn comes and she can't stop jumping up and down with excitement when she sees the box that Jeongyeon hands her. She tears the wrapping paper excitedly and when she opens the box and sees what's inside, her smile disappears.

"Seriously Yoo Jeongyeon" she sighs, looking at her seriously.

The others just stay quiet not sure how to react because Nayeon seems really annoyed so they just watch the exchange between the couple. Then she takes out what's in the box and they all burst out laughing when they see a t-shirt that reads 'World's #1 Dad' on it.

It's a good joke and it's nothing that's unusual for the couple. They love bickering and teasing each other as much as they love giving each other kisses and whispering sweet nothings. This time it looks like Nayeon is not having it.

"I hope you have something better hidden, I spent days looking for the perfect watch" she whines and at that moment everyone sees the usual Nayeon again and the mood of the room instantly lightens up.

Jeongyeon also looks serious but it is obvious that she is holding in laughter when she says "I think I should have gotten you new glasses, haven't you seen what else is in the box?".

Her wife rolls her eyes and looks in the box again, not very convinced that there is anything in there, thinking it is still just part of Jeong's joke. You never know with these two. Once Nayeon gave her fifteen boxes tucked inside each other for their anniversary in college, though then he gave her something that kept them busy for several days locked in the room. One of the best gifts she ever gave her, unless you ask Jihyo who at the time was sleeping in the room next door. To this day, the youngest of the three has not wanted to know what that gift was, but today she is dying of curiosity, just like the others.

"OH MY GOD JEONGYEON!" She screams at the top of her lungs, making her friends jump in their seats and catching the attention of the girls who have been busy with their new gifts for a while now. "If this is a joke I swear-" she says trying to sound tough as she starts bawling her eyes out.

"I'm serious," Jeongyeon says in a whisper, taking the paper Nayeon is holding in her hands and showing her friends the ultrasound. "We're going to be mommies again" she says with a huge smile.

It takes a few seconds for everyone to react and all of a sudden everyone starts to congratulate them while the oldest one complains to her wife that she didn't tell her, even more so when she finds out that she is almost three months pregnant and that they are expecting twins. Neither of them can believe that Jeongyeon made it on the first try and they couldn't be happier, especially with Chaeyoung's reaction. The little girl stares at them with wide eyes and when they confirm that she will be the big sister to two babies, her eyes glaze over and she climbs onto her mom's lap to hug them and caress her mama's belly.

"This is a better gift than the tattoo machine" she says, still pouting.

All these emotions seem to have made them hungry and they soon gather at the small table, which is now more crowded with the girls' stuffed animals. In the middle of the table they have a mountain of cookies that they didn't finish yesterday and there is also hot chocolate, tea, coffee and milkshakes. The Myoui-Hirai family is wearing their t-shirts. Sana and Jihyo tell Tzuyu about Japan, tell her about the food and let her know that she will meet more new people, this time it will be her grandparents. Jeongyeon is still forced to listen to her wife scolding her for not telling her earlier that she is pregnant and lists one by one the things that could have happened until Jeong admits that she was afraid something would go wrong and Nayeon's gaze softens. After that she promises her that now that they're both in it, everything will be okay because they have each other and because they have this wonderful family they've chosen.

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helpfandom · 5 months ago

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OOO can I suggest the "If I break your legs, then you can't leave me." prompt for Irving from the hex? If you know you know ;)

>:) I had an immediate smile on my face when I saw this. You, you get my vision.

@lonleydweller

Tw: Breaking bones, Violence, heavy dependency on you - the reader, Guns, Death of side-characters, bombs.

🥀19. "If I break your legs, then you can't leave me."

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It'd been months since your game got destroyed, leaving you without a purpose, and yet Irving had a proposition for you! Thankfully, he could use a designer to help him out, so now you didn't have to go to that weird inn or end up in the void of rejects.

So naturally, you had accepted, wanting to avoid the unfortunate fate of it. And so for a few months, around four or five, you slowly worked under Irving, trying to understand his gruff attitude and harsh nature.

I mean, sure he's insulting to a lot of people, but he's been okay when around you, he's not mean to you, if anything, he's kind to you, in his own way. I mean, he took off his glasses around you a couple weeks ago, that's progress, right?

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That was two months ago, god what you would give to go back to that time and tell yourself to run away when you could have. He was, hurt, corrupted somehow, he must have, because he developed feelings. And as much as you wish you could pretend that he was just an unfeeling bastard, the way he holds you, crying into your shoulder from guilt, holding onto as if you're the last thing he might be able to hold on for a long time, his whispers of "sorry. I'm so sorry." It's hard to hate him. It's hard to hate him when he makes you feel like everything depends on you.

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"I'll be going now. Don't hurt yourself." He says, like you could, and walks out the door of your his house, the one he had you design, a mockery of your work at this point to trap you in the same home you designed as a safe space before he took you into your safe space.

He closes the door, and walks away to his office, that much you can see from the partially made windows, you never did finish animating those, and now it's a waiting game again. You slowly crawl over the house again, trying to figure out what to do again. Eyes flit over to the bookcase, thankfully you put a pencil in here before you realized why he wanted you to design a home you'd be comfortable in. The books aren't readable, he didn't program that in, but if you glitch it, you could open it to a blank page to write in.

It's been a boring few hours, there's only so many times you can try glitching the book into reality to draw one before frustration takes over. Throwing it down onto the ground in anger, it almost perfectly syncs up with the sound of alarms rising in the background, only now hearing due to being blinded by anger.

Now's the chance, the alarms on the door won't sound off as loud due to the other alarms, run. Taking the opportunity, you run and open the door, slamming it into the wall from how rushed you are. Running to the other side, the opposite of where Irving works, the assumption was right, the sirens on the door means nothing to the sirens in the facility, this might be the chance.

The chance to escape. Run.

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"MIR DAMN IT!" He yells, practically screaming. "They tricked the player into this?" He slams his fist on the desk, knocking over a mug filled with sunglasses. He looks over at the chipped thing and sighs. You gave it to him, before he became this mess. He looks back at the screen. "What am I supposed to do?" He frowns, and looks back at the screen. "What do they see? What does the player see?" They obviously see something, because if they saw what they were really doing, they would stop.

He starts typing on the computer. It must be Lazarus that the player controls, he was the only one from Vicious Galaxy that was a different protagonist. He finds the level they're on and smiles. He could fix this in time. He has to fix this. For you.

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Even though everything hurts from being cramped up in the house with nowhere to go, no way to stretch, you keep moving, you have to. Breathing heavy, you slow down and lean on the wall. You got a few floors down from the house and that should've put enough space between you and Irving.

Groondas litter the floor, blood seeping out from gunshots on their carcasses. What's going on? What happened? Why are people killing the Groondas? Just keep moving. Escaping his suffocating grip is more important than finding out why the sirens are going off.

You keep moving, walking now to try and ease a bit of the pain flowing from your muscles and skip past the elevator, there's an exit on this floor that can take you lower if you remember correctly.

BOOM!

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Irving looks around for just a moment when a bomb goes off, before the realization that Lazarus and Jeremiah are gone, the floors broken up into pieces and ceilings cracking under pressure. Shit. How is he supposed to deal with all of this mess?

Wait...

Are you okay? You're on a higher floor, the bomb could've cracked the house and hurt you.

He starts walking, beginning to run with a purpose.

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You tripped, how stupid that one of the few floors who didn't get too much damage made you trip and break your ankle? What kind of cosmic event timing is it that right as you get close to the exit that could help save you, you fail to walk now?

Gritting your teeth and riding adrenaline to go past the pain, you're so close to the exit now. Your hand is on the handle and it swings open to reveal...

Stairs.

The company did change the floor plan after all. A longing sigh comes from you and you start walking down, using the railing to avoid putting pressure on that foot.

One of the doors swings open on a different floor and frantic footsteps start running up the stairs. A flash of blue from an upper floor tells you all you need to know that it's Irving.

"No. No no no no. They have to be okay. They have to be." It slowly dissipates as he goes upward, the opposite direction of you. Thank Mir.

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Door swung right open against the wall, a book on the floor and the alarms going off.

No. No no no . no no no no no no no you can't be gone, you must have been taken, he treated you kindly, there's no way you would have escaped, you need him like he needs you.

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Running down the stairs, pain be damned, it's the final floor that isn't decimated. There's a window that leads to Secrets of Legendaria mockup, if you make it there then you can make it down to where a lower floor is for re-creation and make it out of the headquarters.

Frantic running and then tackled down before you make it to the window. "NO!" You cry out, and arms wrap around you. "Oh thank Mir you're okay, did Lazarus hurt you? Did Jeremiah?" He growls from the back of his throat. "Oh I'll do much worse then Vicious Galaxy this time. It will be much worse."

He stands up, still hugging you with a firm grip and looks you up and down as best as he can, noting your foot. "Oh no, no. They did hurt you." His grip gets noticeably tighter on your arms without him thinking and he breaks his grip when he realizes he's hurting you. "I'm sorry, I just..." He shakes his head and picks you up by the shoulders, gently placing you down and wrapping your arm around his shoulders. "C'mon. I need to fix this and you need to be safe."

You chew on your lip for just a moment, but the window is so close, so tantalizingly close. This is the chance. You shake your head. "No. I want out." You shove him, not very well but it's enough of a surprise to him that he genuinely stops for enough of a moment to for you to run before he snaps from his daze and yanks you back, nails digging into your skin.

"What? No. No! I need you, and you need me." He shakes his head, his glasses are slightly broken and it allows for just a mere glimpse into his eyes, deranged and red, pupils wide.

"No!" He shakes his head and pushes down onto the ground. "No." Something snaps in him, and he gets a smile on his face, already eerie enough to see a smile break upon his face, but the mere fact that he's not crying out in anger anymore is enough to send shivers down your spine. "If I break your legs, then you can't leave me."

He pushes you down further, strength so apparent by the fact that not even your meek struggles even break his focus. His hand grips your kneecap and he fucking snaps it.

A gurgle erupts in your throat, bile rising and threatening to spill from your lips as the mere sound of it cracking and then breaking, bone sticking out of your skin.

You scream and he shushes you with his other hand, moving his next focus to your other leg. It's a blessing that you black out from pain before you can feel the other leg snap.

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The next time you come to, you're laying down in a bed, him sitting next to you. "I'm so sorry." He mutters to himself, head in his hands. "I shouldn't have. I need you. I'm so sorry." You grip the sheets in anger and he notes the movement. "Oh thank Mir, I thought you would never wake up." You glare at him and look down at your legs, mangled and twisted and where they are most certainly not supposed to be.

He follows your eyes and refuses to look at your legs. "I'm sorry, but you just haven't realized how much I need you, and how much you need me."

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onlyplatonicirl · 4 months ago

Note

boom explosion. guess what its been 2 years since i came into your ask box to bother you about blogverse!!! as usual its the roleplayer behind the first lorelcest kid Oleander, Mercury, and most importantly to me, Bv!Shandyo

genuine apologies if you dont enjoy these! thats pretty fair and i get that it didnt affect everyone else as strongly as it did me, i just feel like its important that you know how much youve affected my life positively.

so, i was a bullied, neglected kid with unsupervised internet acess when blogverse happened (still a kid just less, woo!) and blogverse, especially your blog was probably the only part of the internet that i genuinely believed changed me for the better.

the sense of belonging, escapism, and the opportunity to create a character and show them to others like me was incredibly beneficial for me as a person and an artist in the long run, and to this day making OCs, writing, and especially drawing are passions that i consider deeply important to me- passions that blogverse and its community didnt exactly start, but they played a big role in fostering it. i know you just accidentally one day made an entire community that lasted two months but i cannot stress to you enough that it changed my life and i cant thank you & queenie (unsure if they still go by that, sorry) enough for it.

I also majorly admired you (and many others in a lot of the communities you associated with, but especially you) greatly as a person, artist & writer!!! you were my art goal and while that's changed as ive grown, striving towards this goal nurtured a hobby that i now know was/is a special interest to me.

while probably seeming like minor interactions with some kid who didnt know how to write a consistent character to you, to me your patience, kindness & continual creation of art genuinely helped me retreat from my abusive home life, gain a sense of belonging as a bullied autistic child, get better at art n writing, & grow as a person. i still lurk in communities like blogverse, but bv was my first and forever will be cherished in my memory.

so yeah. the things you do affect people whether you think so or not, and while i dont majorly interact with your content anymore, i hope youre well n you keep being great. :)

I want you to know that I’m at a friend’s house right now and she’s cooking herself dinner. I’m reading this paragraph and I literally start tearing up in front of her and she asks me what’s wrong 😭😭😭

Legitimately I feel like I have somehow won at life, like I won a lottery, because I don’t possibly know what I did to deserve messages like this and it makes me feel so amazing to know that I have positively effected the life of another person. That’s all I can hope for in life, and I can feel how much heart went into this letter so I’m trying to respond in turn

Even though at the time of all of this I had just around turned 18 years old, I was still very much a kid who was also trying to escape from a less-than-ideal home life. I never expected an audience when writing tcoti, it was purely my own self-indulgent passion project with my own hyper-specific headcanons. The fact that other people resonated with it so much and it created so many other inspirations as completely unexpected and absolutely baffling to me. I could have never seen it coming in a million years. It changed MY life for the better to know a my own silly utmv ideas literally inspired like. Countless others

I’m also going to share this post with Queenie, because they NEED to see this. Blogverse was her passionate project and I think to know you were as touched by it as she was and loved the writing is amazing. Also I’m showing Slime. @cosmic-chronologer look at this post with your eyes. I didn’t contribute with the writing as much as I should have because of how busy I was, and the real masterminds behind the project go to Slime Queenie and Achro. I hope they see this message!!!!

Thank you for telling me about the positive impact me and the others have had on you, it genuinely makes me so happy to hear. I’m SO happy you’re still continuing to create!! Most of my utmv friends back from then have left the fandom obv but I’m still in contact with most of them :) it means so much to me that you told me, because otherwise I would have never known how you feel!!!!!

I wish you have been well all these years. I loved all the ship kids you made :))))))

#ask lorel #boyswillbedogz #blogverse

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aclevername8 · 1 year ago

Text

It's been a hot minute since I posted here lol, so I thought I'd share a bunch of art I've gotten of my AU over the last few months since then--starting with this piece (my now girlfriend) @aynek-draw drew for me back in October to celebrate the two-year anniversary of my AU!

And to begin, here's a 'quick' overview of all the currently planned main characters of my AU, all of whom were drawn/designed by my good friend @wolfcha1k!

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Ratchet and Rivet, the prime protagonists of my AU, who need no introduction.

Basically, everything happens as is in canon until before Rift Apart/after Into the Nexus, where Clank gives Ratchet the opportunity to meet the Lombaxes by privately giving him the repaired Dimensionator in their Veldin home, and Ratchet actually accepts it.

And upon meeting the Lombaxes, he finds that his father had been alive the entire time, and after reuniting with him, now spends time with the father and species he never knew, on top of being officially ordained as a fellow Keeper of the Dimensionator for his valiant efforts in defeating Tachyon and avenging their species.

In an effort to revitalize the since-defunct Interdimensional Divsion of the Center for Advanced Lombax Research, Ratchet and Kaden travel to the Archives a month after his arrival to grab some items before getting caught up in an adventure against Emperor Nefarious, and meeting Rivet and Kit along the way.

After helping her defeat Nefarious, they allow her to meet her birth uncle, Mags, on top of getting to know the Lombaxes as well--but developing a crush on Ratchet along the way, with the two having love at first sight.

After getting to know each other better (like building the brand-new RYNO 8 together), they would finally start dating to the obviousness of literally everyone around them, and eventually, marrying and having two children together, an older daughter and a younger son.

Ultimately, they'd retire from all the heroics, having had enough of an exciting lifestyle, and instead running a humble mechanic shop on Ratchet's home of Veldin, with the slogan of "Giving Your Ships A Little R&R!" and a greenhouse in the back for Rivet and Kit to partake in their favorite hobby of gardening.

Kaden, another prime protagonist and whole inspiration to even make this AU so that he can live and be the best dad he can, goddammit.

Described by many as a cocky smartass, no one can say Kaden is underdeserving of praise at being an accomplished Praetorian General, Elder Councilman, Cohead of the Interdimensional Division, and most importantly, Keeper of the Dimensionator. But even with so many renowned titles, Kaden's favorite one is the title of 'father'.

When Tachyon attacked and took nearly everything from him, Kaden was lucky enough to have his son spared, but at the cost of his wife's life, Marie, who with her last words, made him promise to do anything to protect their son. Following her words, Kaden left him on the planet Veldin for his own safety before fighting Tachyon to what he thought was his death after staying behind to protect the Lombaxes.

Although he lost, he was unexpectedly saved by his friends, Mags and Julie, when they built an illegal Dimensionator to retrieve him before he could die. Unfortunately, the Council was so spooked by Tachyon that they banned Dimensionators outright to prevent anyone from returning to the original dimension to eliminate any chance of Tachyon following them through--stranding Kaden from his son.

Even though Kaden did all he could to try and go back--even ending up in prison for a short time for being caught building his own Dimensionator--all he could do was appeal to them every single month for twenty years in the vain hope his son was still alive.

Thankfully, Ratchet would reunite with him when he returned to the Lombaxes, allowign Kaden to fulfill his promise he made to Marie all those years ago. And with Ratchet's arrival, came the unexpected consequence of being able to meet a new friend and eventual new wife, Chief Alice Wells, and later (accidentally) having a second child with her, their daughter Lucy.

Over the years, Kaden would find himself from making peace with the fact he'd die alone as a failed father to the patriarch and great-grandfather of a large and extremely crazy family that he wouldn't trade anything in the entire multiverse for loving every single one of them with all his heart.

Kaden's best friends, Julie and Mags, the head and cohead of the Center's Weapons and Interdimensional Divisions, respectfully, who saved Kaden at the last minute from Tachyon by building a dimensionator to retrieve him before death.

While Mags is known to everyone else as the Lombax that helped Kaden find their new home in the Great Exodus, those closest to him know him as one of the best, most loyal friends you can ever have. Intelligent, enthusiastic about both ships and the interdimensional, he can be a little awkward at times, but makes for a fun friend if you can understand half the jargon he talks about.

Although he once had a twin sister who he was close to that died in a freak accident during the Great Exodus, Mags was extremely lucky to eventually find out that her daughter, his niece, Rivet (or Rosie, as she would have been named) survived, allowing himself to be the uncle he always wanted to be.

And right alongside him is Julie (or Cool Aunt Julie, as she wishes to be called from both Ratchet and Rivet), who is aptly described as a living ball of chaos that if left alone would probably find a way to explode something in the name of science and badassery in an effort to find yet another insane idea for a gun.

But even her mere existence can be argued as a health hazard for others in the room, she is fiercely loyal to anybody she latches onto, being Mags and Kaden 99% of the time, even if she bickers with them both about nearly everything--especially on the topic of convincing them to build a gun into the Dimensionator "Because it'd be so cool, just think about it!"

Even despite the fact that she and Mags have been bickering nonstop for the years they've known each other, they eventually started dating and married after years of working at the Center made them undateable to normal people, which suited them just fine.

Along with Kaden, they are extremely close three peas in a pod that have an unbreakable bond after supporting each other through post-Tachyon misery for over twenty years.

Chief (Alice) Wells of the Lombax City Guard, who has a tough-as-nails attitude, but a secret softie side that only a few are permitted to see.

Sick of her mens' shit from growing extremely complacent over the years after the newly-bolstered post-Tachyon Praetorian Guard made New Fastoon one of the safest planets ever, Wells has grown one hell of a temper, being able to come up with very creative insults and punishments (including tazing her own men without hesitation after they call her a bitch under his breath), almost everyone who meets her is scared of her. Almost.

If there's anything she hates most, it is little punks who treat the law as a mere suggestion, and as such, it was natural for her and Ratchet (and eventually Rivet (AKA Punk and Missy)) to have an intense feud that make them hate each other's guts--especially Ratchet's, after his arrival to the Lombaxes caused a city-wide chase that made the City Guard look like fools.

But even then, she and Kaden soon found themselves in an unexpected friendship, and even more unexpectedly, a relationship that would eventually have them married and have a surprise daughter, Lucy.

Even though Wells would say she HATES being the Punk's stepmom out of technicality, deep down, she (and Ratchet) grow a soft spot for each other that would have them respect each other somewhat--as long as no one else would be able to see.

But if you asked her if she loved Ratchet's children, she would say with no hesitation that she loves her grandbabies with all her heart.

Ratchet's kind (and short) yet unfortunately deceased mother, Marie.

When she and Kaden first met as teenagers at the Academy, it was love at first sight, and after being sick of being forced to watch them awkwardly flirt and dance around their mutual crush, their best friends Lorna and Alister pushed them to finally date, and the rest was history.

Dating through the Academy, Kaden's Praetorian training and induction to the Center, Marie's graduation from Vapedia's college, the two married, and their lives couldn't be any happier.

But when Marie announced she was pregnant (by accident after a night of drunken celebration of Kaden's promotion to General), Kaden was admittedly scared and disliked the idea of being a father, but voiced no such thoughts at seeing Marie be so happy at being a mother.

But thankfully, when Ratchet (or Kipler, as he was to be named) was born, Kaden's fear turned to ecstasy and unspeakable joy, wishing right alongside Marie to be the best parent ever.

However, when Tachyon attacked, Marie died saving Ratchet from their collapsing home, and with her final words, told Kaden to promise her to protect their son, a promise Kaden upholds to this day, even as he sees himself become a great-grandfather.

And although Kaden now finds himself with a new wife and second child, he still loves Marie with all his heart, and now loves her through their son that shares her blood--and her height, never failing to make jokes at Ratchet's expense, as "If not even your mom never got to escape my jokes, then neither should you, shorty."

Rivet's deceased parents, Dex and Kayla, the respective head of maintenance and high-ranking interdimensional researcher at the Lombaxes' Interdimensional Research Colony on Savali in Rivet's dimension.

Back before Tachyon attacked, some Lombaxes lived and operated in a research colony on the planet Savali, home of the Interdimensional Archives, and headed at the time by Mags, being his responsiblity as cohead of the Interdimensional Division.

Although Kayla, his twin sister, was just as bright as him and fully capable of such a role, she was content with just being a researcher, always avid to learn about the next breakthrough. But as a result, she had a tendency to be quite awkward at times, especially when it came to her eventual crush on the colony's head of maintenance/local handyman, Dex, responsible for fixing anything that breaks in the colony, from integral machinery to coffeemakers.

Instead of trying to talk to him like a normal person, Kayla had an ingenious idea of intentionally destroying her appliances and calling him over to fix it, where they would 'happen' to chat as he repaired her stuff, which worked quite well for a while until Dex asked her out because "It sounds nicer to talk to you over a nice dinner than over me fixing your toaster that 'accidentally' fell onto a hammer about eight times for the third time this week, right?"

The two would go on to marry, and eventually, have a little girl that they and Mags absolutely adored. Disaster would strike during the Great Exodus, where while they were returning back to Savali from an off-planet trip, they would fly into the territory of a new 'Empire' and be shot down over Sargasso with Mags watching their final moments over a call urging them to come back home ASAP, leading him to believe his family had died in front of him.

However, while the call had ended from their crashing ship, they had placed their infant daughter in an escape pod in the nick of time, sacrificing themselves, but saving Rivet. She safely landed on Sargasso to be eventually raised by the Morts, and even later, aided by Ratchet and Kaden to overthrow the Nefarious Empire that unknowingly killed her parents, and allowed her the chance to meet her Uncle Mags that she never knew existed.

Ratchet and Rivet's (taller) firstborn child and rambunctious daughter, Mallet-Marie (nicknamed Mallarie).

When Ratchet and Rivet found out they were pregnant, they initially wanted to name their daughter 'Mallet' similarly to their own tool names they themselves had. Kaden, however, argued against it, saying that while they might not have grown up 'normally', their daughter will, and she 'at least needs a normal name to not be bullied with, please.' So, they compromised, and gave her both a tool name and a normal name, of which they named in honor of Ratchet's late mother--who she happened to have great resemblance to as well, to their pleasant surprise. Needless to say, Kaden was very happy with her name.

Growing up as the daughter to a family of renowned heroes from her intergalactically famous father, Ratchet, her mother that led a resistance to overthrow an entire galactic empire, Rivet, and her heroic grandfather that helped save and protect their entire species, Kaden, Mallarie sought to follow in their footsteps, thirsting for a life of adventure and--most importantly--fun.

As a result, she loves mischief and unwise ideas (with Ratchet and Rivet believing that it was karma against them for the hell they themselves raised growing up), always up for the first sign of adventure, no matter how dangerous or impulsive it may be.

And when her 'nerdy' brother, Miter-Mags, came along (via 4-year-old Mallarie poking holes in 'mommy and daddy's funny balloons' as a prank), her secondary objective was to 'de-nerdify' him by dragging him along on her adventures whenever she could, even if he protested against it, complaining that he wasn't into the idea of sharing their parents' exciting lifestyles.

However, Mallarie's impulsiveness to drag Miter on her dangerous adventures would catch up to her, and on an adventure gone wrong, Miter would lose his leg saving Mallarie from being killed. To say Ratchet and Rivet were furious is an understatement, and feeling ashamed and miserable that she nearly killed her brother, Mallarie would flee to Savali to be alone--but with her Aunt Kit following her.

Kit would help Mallarie deal with the all-too-familiar feeling of nearly killing a loved one and causing them to lose a limb--admitting the truth of her mother's missing arm was because Kit shot her a long time ago. And so, after a few weeks of talking and reflection, Mallarie came back home to face her family for forgiveness--only to find that her brother was not mad at her at all, saying he'd gladly lose his other leg if it meant his sister would still be alive. And upon seeing his forgiveness, Ratchet and Rivet apologized to Mallarie for unfairly blaming her completely for the accident, and the family would move on stronger than they were before.

Although the experience sobered Mallarie to her adventuring ways, it didn't kill her mischievous spirit, and upon meeting a wannabe rebel in Jett, a Lombax she met while sitting in jail yet again, proceeded to try and teach him the ways of being a rebel punk like her.

But what she didn't expect, however, was find a kind, loving gentleman in him that made her want to settle down with him, eventually becoming her boyfriend. And when her brother accidentally had a child, they both talked about their future together, and decided they wanted to marry and have a family.

As a result, Mallarie cleaned up her act and enlisted in the Praetorian Guard, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a General like her grandpa to support her eventual twin daughters Allie and Rose, getting all the adventure she ever wanted.

But even grown up as a respected General and all they've been through, Mallarie still teases her brother about being a 'dumb nerd' to this day.

Ratchet and Rivet's second (just as short) child and intelligent, voice-of-reason son, Miter-Mags.

Named similarly after Mallarie, and in honor of Rivet's uncle, Mags, Miter takes much after him in terms of intelligence and curiosity. Unlike the rest of his immediate family, Miter enjoys a quieter lifestyle, interested not in guns and adventures, but in books and the unknowns of science.

With encouragement from his grandpa Kaden and great-uncle Mags, Miter graduated all the way from college with the Lombaxes to eventually work under them at the Center for Advanced Lombax Research in the Interdimensional Division.

However, this and his interested made him a 'boring nerd' in his sister's eyes, and as such, was unable to completely escape his family's lifestyle, finding himself begrudgingly dragged away on dangerous adventures by his sister in an effort to make him 'cooler', forcing him to learn a thing or two about fighting in the process.

However, disaster would strike one day when he lost a leg protecting his sister on an adventure gone wrong. Being blamed by their parents, Mallarie fled from home while Miter remained to recover from his injury, Rivet being there the most from him, and hating the fact that her son suffered the same fate she did, losing a leg while she lost an arm.

But while Rivet helped him get over the loss of a limb, Miter similarly helped his parents get over the anger they felt towards Mallarie, as he hated seeing her sister in so much distress, and seeing his family being divided, and slowly convinced them that it wasn't her fault since he could have simply refused to go, and saying that they should be thankful that they are both still alive.

Thankfully, Mallarie eventually returned, allowing everyone to make up and apologize for regrettable things that have been said, and to better help move on from the incident, everyone pitched in to help build Miter a yellow prosthetic similar to Rivet's, a symbol of their love overcoming a struggle as great as this one.

And as it turned out, his amputation was a blessing in disguise, as when he returned to work, a very shy coworker of his, Estelle, was the most concerned about his accident, asking if he was okay, and always being there to help him whenever he needed it, her worry overpowering her ordinary shyness.

After a while of getting to know each other, the two would start dating, and upon finding out and enjoying his new girlfriend's secretly extremely high libido, the two would accidentally end up having a child together--something that literally everyone expected Mallarie to do and not 'actually sensible and reasonable Miter'.

Thankfully, it was a happy accident, and Miter and Estelle would marry and happily raise their son, Jules, with Miter eventually being handed the mantle of Keeper of the Dimensionator after his grandfather retires from the profession.

And even though Miter found himself at the butt of his sister's short jokes for his entire life, with her escaping their parents' acquired genes of shorter height to his chagrin, he found that a second blessing in disguise of his amputation was that kicking his sister's shins in response was much more effective with a metal prosthetic than his natural foot.

Kaden and Wells' open softie yet fiery-on-the-inside daughter, Lucille 'Lucy' Wells.

Accidentally entering the world when her mother demanded Kaden a 'destressing' session after a particularly bad day, with Wells neglecting protection in her fervor because 'we're probably too old to have kids anyway, just get over here and take off your pants already', Lucy was quite an unexpected development in her family's life, but far from unwelcome.

Although, Wells initially feared being a mother (and Ratchet loathed the idea of getting a half-sister from The Bitch™) due to the responsibility that comes with it, with her always denying the fact that she was pregnant despite the obvious symptoms, like morning sickness (she just had a long-lasting flu), her strange nighttime cravings (it's totally normal to eat pickles and tutti-frutti ice cream at midnight, KADEN), and gaining some weight (it's just too many pickles and tutti-frutti ice cream). Eventually, though, thanks to many talks from Kaden and new mother herself, Rivet, Wells would come to accept her new daughter (who would earn the pet names Pickles and Tutti Frutti due to being the blamed cause of Wells' baby bump).

Due to the timing of her birth, Lucy grew up quite close with Mallarie and Miter (of whom would be her niece and nephew, despite the fact that Mallarie was older than her by a year or two), often being confused as their sister, although she honestly was close enough to be one.

And as Kaden and Wells would find out, even though Lucy was as cute as a button and outwardly very sweet and loving of cute things, she had also inherited her mother's Wrath of Wells, giving her a bit of a temperament and capacity to unleash hell on any unfortunate soul dumb who pissed her off.

In her childhood, Kaden got her a pink Protopet as a gift, given by Angela Cross (who had in fact fled to the Lombaxes years prior, working as a biologist at the Center), and Lucy immediately fell in love with her and named her Pinky. Wells, while initially irritated that Kaden got a pet without talking to her first, would come to actually love Pinky as well--especially once she saw how terrified of it Ratchet was due to his past experience with Protopets. Thankfully, Ratchet too would come to like Pinky--but only after they locked him in a room with her until he stopped screaming once they were tired of him refusing to let him or his children even step near their house after they got her.

And in her teenage years, Lucy eventually found herself head over heels with a girl in her class, Cecily, finding her goth fashion, intelligence in poetry and philosophy, and (most importantly) big breasts quite attractive. Unfortunately for her, just like her half-brother and father, she was an awkward mess with romance, and struggled to talk to her. Fortuantely, though, Cecily (or Cee Cee, as a nickname) loved Pinky, and the two eventually bonded when Pinky ran away from home with Cecily finding her, leading to them dating, and later on, marrying.

As for a career, Lucy wanted to follow her mother's footsteps in joining the City Guard to help make the world a safer place for the average citizen, sharing her family's willingness to do good, and found that her mother gave absolutely zero preferential treatment towards her daughter, treating her as just a normal recruit.

While it was a struggle at first adapting to her mother yelling at her after being used to her being sweet with her, it only served to make Lucy quite an effective officer, and with the edge that the Wrath of Wells gave her on her job to enforce order and justice, she quickly rose through the ranks of City Guard. Soon, she would be promoted to Chief of the City Guard to protect their sister dimension's city once Lombaxes return to the old Fastoon to rebuild their ancestral home, and even later on, fully succeeding her mother in leading the City Guard across two dimensions.

Even then, though, she never did escape Mallarie's teasing, from being called 'Copper' for both her fur color and profession, having to deal with constantly arresting Mallarie herself (alongside Wells) during her rebellious years, and once promoted to Chief, Mallarie teasing how she was just a 'lowly Chief' while she herself was 'an awesome General' in the Praetorians. Luckily for Lucy, though, she was raised by one of the biggest smartasses on Fastoon, so she'd always be sure to throw a comeback that'd make her father proud.

Born as Jeremiah, Jett wants nothing to do with the family he's been given, wanting to be as far away as possible from them.

Although one would think that being born in an elite, aristocratic family with its patriarch having a seat on the Council of the Center for Advanced Lombax Research would be a one-way ticket to an easy life, it is anything but for Jett.

Being raised by parents who don't want him and a grandfather that cares not about Jett's desires to be anything other than the future Councilman they all want him to be, to say that Jett hates his family is an understatement. Although he does want to do good to help people, with his family arguing that the best way to go about it is being a Councilman to enact laws and such, Jett wants to help people directly, and he feels as though being a Councilman only serves to help his privileged family remain privileged, helping the elite more than the people.

And between his loveless, misogynistic father that brings home a different woman every week, his perpetually drunken mother that numbs her life with luxuries, and his cold, elderly Councilman grandfather that seems to make decisions 'for the greater good' without caring about those that they hurt, and the slew of shallow aristocrates they all meet with, Jett is sick of the elite lifestyle.

So, stating that his name was no longer Jeremiah and now Jett, he entered a rebellious phase to finally gain all the freedom he ever wanted, trying to act as rebels are supposed to do, from joyriding his parents' stolen ships and graffiti. Only problem was that, quite franky, he sucked at being a punk instead of a gentleman, and didn't know what to do.

However, after sitting in jail from a joyride, he happened to meet Mallarie (who immediately nicknamed him 'Spot' over his fur marking on his eye), who upon learning his want to be a rebel to escape his 'asshole family', took him under her wing to teach him how to have real fun, making him tag along on her adventures and mischievous escapades to teach him how to be a rebel.

However, Jett found himself falling in love with Mallarie, especially after meeting her family and getting a taste of what it's like to have relatives that love you unconditionally--especially if she too had a Councilman grandfather that had the capacity to be a loving patriarch. And after opening up about his own loveless family, he was unofficially accepted into Mallarie's shortly after they started dating, who he now considered to be his real family now.

Once Jett's family learned of him and Mallarie dating, they sought to make him date 'within your own class' by trying to set him up with an aristocratic snob, Brittney. Jett, however, hated being forced on dates with her by his family, and it was the final straw to make him leave them all for good.

Now with a family where he was actually loved and accepted for who he was, he and Mallarie talked about their future together, and decided to have a family of their own, with Mallarie getting a career in the Praetorians to help support them.

When they had their twin daughters, Allie and Rose, Jett became a stay-at-home dad, wanting to be in their lives for as much as possible, wanting to be the best parent he never got, loving his children with the love he so desperately wished to have himself growing up.

But when they got older, and the task of being a full-time parent was no longer needed, Jett decided that he wanted to fulfill his desire to help people once more, but this time, instead of going on heroic adventures with Mallarie, he decided to pursue a career as a Councilman, now on his terms instead of his family's.

Although he wished he had a family like Mallarie's growing up, he is more than happy that he was able to ensure that his own daughters grew up with the happy childhood he never had.

Estelle--It's always the quiet ones.

Growing up with intense social anxiety all her life, being a quiet, shy, wallflower bookworm, no one would suspect sweet and intelligent Estelle to consistently have the highest libido in the room.

Whenever she isn't dedicated herself to the pursuit of interdimensional knowledge, quickly finding herself a job as a high-ranking researcher in the Interdimensional Division, she is indulging in her favorite hobby of reading smutty romance novels, having quite the collection.

While working in the Interdimensional Division, she found herself getting a crush on her coworker, Miter, always loving his charm and intellect, but always being to shy to say more than a few passing words to him. But after he suffered from his accident and not being able to show up to work for a month, only getting updates from his grandfather Kaden and great-uncle Mags who also worked there, Estelle grew very worried about him.

Luckily, he eventually came back, but upon seeing him missing a leg with a new prosthetic, Estelle's worry overpowered her anxiety, wanting to make sure that he was alright, sparking their first real conversation together. Ever since then, Estelle was always willing to help Miter out whenever he needed it, and being braver to actually talk to him now that they actually somewhat knew each other, allowing them both to work more closely together. And soon enough, Estelle mustered up the guts to ask him out--something that made Miter a bit sore because he too was trying to get enough nerve to ask her out only to be beaten by her.

He quickly found out just how much of a sex drive his seemingly innocent girlfriend had, on top of learning of her hobby for smutty and romantic novels, but luckily for her, he did not judge her one bit for her somewhat embarrassing hobby--especially when he found the smut she had secretly written about them as well. He was more than happy to help her indulge in her libido, however.

But it was said indulgence that led to an accidental pregnancy with their child, but thankfully, Miter and Estelle felt up to the task, and decided to marry and raise their unexpected son, Jules.

Although the incident served as a stark reminder for the importance of protection, it did nothing to stifle Estelle's sex drive, always loving the fact that she was able to find true love like all the girls of her smutty romance novels did--except her one true love was a short scientist instead of a broad, scantily-clad burly hunk.

Cecily is a true example of don't judge a book by its cover--nor by its taste in music and fashion.

Although one would think that with her goth outfit and many piercings that Cecily (or Cee Cee, as those closest to her also call her) is a punk, you wouldn't be further from the truth. In stark contrast to her fashion sense and preferred taste of heavy metal music, Cecily is often a quiet and stoic individual, not by any sense of anxiety, but rather from a mindset of not needing to speak unless she has something to say.

And thanks to her love of poetry and philosophy, much of what Cecily has to say is quite meaningful and full of beauty--which is exactly why Lucy fell in love with her in the first place, on top of finding her quite physically attractive as well.

Contrary to what Lucy thought, Cecily did know she existed, and also found her awkward attempts at getting to know her quite endearing. And luckily, Lucy's pet protopet, Pinky, similarly loved Cecily, and happened to run to her when she ran away one day, allowing her and Lucy a perfect opportunity to talk.

And much like Marie and Ratchet's partners, Cecily did too find Lucy's inherited romantic awkwardness very cute and charming, and soon began dating Lucy, finding her to be an extremely dedicated and loving partner.

While Lucy would go on to find a career in the City Guard as an officer and eventual Chief, Cecily instead pursued her passion in writing and poetry, and while not becoming as popular so as to go down in the history books, found enough success that she can be happy with a job, wife, and cute and cuddly pet that she loves.

From Kaden, his own family, and pretty much everyone else that meets him, they all agree on one thing; Harold is undoubtedly the epitome of a crotchety old man.

Already having a bit of gruffness to him in his younger days, it was only made worse when Tachyon attacked, killing his beloved wife, Cynthia, and nearly destroying the planet that he loved. As a result, Councilman Harold was the most vocal proponent to banning Dimensionators outright to prevent any chance of encountering Tachyon ever again.

As a result, however, him and fellow Councilman Kaden had a bitter rivalry, with Harold always standing as Kaden's biggest obstacle between him and retrieving his son for the twenty whole years they were separated. Harold did not care, however, as he always stood for doing what was for the greater good of all Lombaxes--even if it meant crushing the dreams of others.

When Ratchet arrived to prove Harold wrong that Ratchet was not in fact a 'dead and rotting pile of bones that Tachyon has undoubtedly dealt with by now, Kaden', it did nothing to change his attitude or demeanor, only making him agree that it was like father, like son: They were both smartasses that annoyed him to no end.

But while he was a respected Councilman, albeit agreeable, his home life fared no better, with the death of his wife making him a cold man towards his own family to their own detriment, especially towards his rebellious grandson.

As his son, Felix, and his daughter-in-law, Ophelia, were questionable in their parenting skills in the best of times, Harold was one of the most present relatives in Jett's life that showed him the most love--which was not saying much. Even though they used to be close, Jett's disillusionment to his family's lifestyle and expectations of him drove them apart, coming to a head when Jett firmly denounced his entire family to say that he was leaving them--for Kaden's family.

To hear his own grandson say that Harold's most bitter rival was a better grandparent than he ever was stung more than he thought, especially when Kaden himself reamed into Harold one time for squandering the family he had while Kaden fought him for the right to even have one for twenty whole years.

Having his most loved relative abandon him began a period of reflection in Harold's life, which was unfortunately not for much longer. On his deathbed, he asked for Jett to see him, and in an emotional conversation, apologized to Jett for not giving him the love that he should have been given, and even though he knew it was too late to give it now, he was happy to see that he had found it with Mallarie and the rest of Kaden's family, and made Jett promise to be a better man than both him and his father.

Although the experience would leave Jett with bittersweet feelings, it at least made him feel more at peace with his decision to leave his family with his grandfather's blessing and love, making the few happy memories he had with him all the sweeter.

The epitome of a dysfunctional and loveless family, Felix and Ophelia.

Thanks to his father Harold's more neglectful style of parenthood due to his wife's death during Tachyon's attack, Felix unfortunately grew up with some bad habits--particularly, having the same neglectful mindset of being a parent.

Ophelia was actually of a lower class than Harold's more aristrocratic background, and when the two started dating, she was pressured into marrying him to secure her own place with the elite, but finding out much too late that with Felix and his misogynistic beliefs and bitter attitude, she made a poor choice.

In an effort to save their marriage, the two had a child, Jeremiah (later deeming himself 'Jett'), only to find that it amplified the problems with Felix being an absent, harsh father that soon found a regular hobby of bringing escorts home, and Ophelia numbing her loathsome life with drinking and empty pleasures of a wealthy lifestyle, also opting to neglect their son.

While the two of them fell out of love long ago, now trapped in a loveless marriage, the only thing they could agree on was that their son would be a disappointment if he never became a Councilman to further secure their class status once Harold dies. They made sure to voice this to Jett for his whole life, on top of the odd insult and statement that they would have probably been happier if they never had him in the first place.

With parents like these, it was no surprise when Jett disowned himself and never looked back, and while Harold was the only one who was most hurt by it, Felix and Ophelia were simply annoyed and opted for a 'good riddance' attitude.

However, seeing Jett leave their family gave Ophelia enough courage to finally leave her loveless and long-since-dead marriage, and left Felix with his constant weekly escorts to try and find her own happiness in life.

Wherever she or Felix ended up after Jett left, however, he doesn't really know, nor does he care at all, only that they remain out of his and his children's life forever.

With the both of them being among the most insufferable and vapid people one can meet, Brad and Brittney truly are made for each other.

Ever since puberty, Brad's main goal in life is to get laid whenever he can--guys, girls, doesn't matter as long as he has a good time. As a result, he has racked up one hell of a body count over the years, and broken-hearted exes to go with it. And even though he gained a reputation from his countless conquests, that he cares more about maintaining his admittedly attractive looks than his actual partner for the week, Mallarie neglected to listen when he asked her out, believing that she could 'fix him'.

The fact that he flirted with both her parents, her brother, and her (lesbian) aunt Lucy upon introducing him wasn't enough to deter Mallarie despite literally everyone telling her she should run. But thankfully, the situation 'fixed' itself once she turned down Brad's instent offer to finally have sex--Mallarie arguing that if she was losing her virginity, it wasn't in the back of a ship after getting fast food--and upon seeing that Mallarie wasn't going to be an easy conquest, he dumped her, forever cementing the family's hate towards him.

Brittney, on the other hand, was born in a high-class family, and as such, finds anyone one poorer and/or of lower-class far beneath her, and has had everything handed to her on a silver platter. Her family tried to set her up to date Jett as a ploy from his family to try and get him away from Mallarie.

Unsurprisingly, Jett paid no attention to Brittney on their forced dates, both from the fact that he already had a girlfriend, and the fact that he hated Brittney's vapid, selfish, and elitist personality. So after one last date crashed with Mallarie's aid, Jett left Brittney behind, which upset her greatly in thinking that she wasn't good enough.

She decided to drown her sorrows in a high-class bar later that night, where she happened to run into Brad, who upon convincing her that he was totally some rich dude that's clearly in the same class status of her, they had a one-night stand. But after being so lucky for so long, Brad's luck ran out as Brittney ended up pregnant to both of their dismay.

However, as the reality of him being a father began to hit him, something changed inside of Brad, making him decide to try and turn around his ways to be the best dad he can be to provide for his family. Luckily, Brittney's CEO dad (who was very displeased about the pregnancy as well) got him a job at his company's mailroom, and thanks to Brad's natural charisma, managed to work his way up to a respectable managerial position in the company over the years to support their son, Oliver.

And although his and Brittney's relationship was rocky at the start, neither wishing for a relationship nor even a child together, they did all they could to try and make it work together, which thankfully, they did, their new child and marriage doing wonders to change their otherwise selfish ways and grow to be better people.

Brad and Brittney would even later run into Mallarie and Jett, respectively, and apologize to them for their shitty selves they had to deal with when they had to 'date' them, saying that they had grown up and matured since then.

To this day, the two couples are actually good friends, allowing their children to grow up playing with each other and becoming best friends--and even allowing a budding romance to blossom between them as well.

However, it doesn't make it any less awkward when Brad still runs into one of his many exes on his day-to-day.

Ratchet and Rivet's grandchildren; Allie, Rose, and Jules.

To be honest, I decided that this generation is my cutoff point for developing my AU, as if I went beyond this, I know I would never stop making this family huge, so not every much is decided on what they actually do as it doesn't really matter lmao

Allie and Rose are Mallarie and Jett's twin daughters, named after Wells and Rivet, respectively (with Wells' first name being Alice and Rivet's original birth name being Rosie). Allie would grow up to be more headstrong while Rose woudl grow up more shy and reserved.

Jules is Miter and Estelle's son (and the oldest of his cousins), and he is named after Julie--mostly because she was very butthurt that Kaden and Ratchet didn't name any of their children after her. Needless to say, she was very happy.

Brad and Brittney's son, Oliver, or 'Oli' as everyone calls him.

Similar to Allie/Rose/Jules, Oliver is in the generation that I am deciding not to develop to stop myself from going overboard, so not much is decided about him outside of the fact that he is Allie and Rose's childhood friend, and that he ends up in a relationship with one of them (probably Allie).

And don't worry, he isn't a vapid asshole like his parents were.

Jett's grandma/Harold's late wife, Cynthia.

Not much is developed of her because of the fact that she's been dead and honestly doesn't have much bearing on the AU as a whole, but Harold used to be not as crotchety and cold when she was around, and she was quite the gossip, but an otherwise sweet and kind lady.

Wells' late ex-Praetorian father, Ulysses.

Ulysses used to be a respected Praetorian captain back in his day before retiring to spend more time with his family, including Wells when she was a little girl, who looked up to him very much.

But when Tachyon attacked, while his family evacuated, he stayed behind to aid his fellow Praetorians in the evacuation, but unfortunately was killed by Tachyons' forces. As a result, Wells vowed to follow her father's footsteps in wanting to make the world a better, safer place, sparking her fire in pursuing a career in the City Guard--opting to enlist with them rather than the Praetorians because Wells felt as though the City Guard makes more of an impact on the average person's life, being able to better see the fruits of her labor for herself.

Wells' mother (or sister?), Sierra.

At first, Sierra was drawn to be Wells' mother (as my friend wanted to know more about Wells' backstory), and that she died with her father to better establish her motivations to want to do good--mostly by the fact that they accidentally instilled a workaholic mentality into Wells before they died.

But then another friend thought of the juicy idea of Sierra being alive purely so that she and Ratchet (and Rivet) actually bond so that Wells would have to watch with horror as her mom would become frineds with The Punk and Missy.

But then I had the idea of what if Sierra was Wells' older and more fun-loving sister for those juicy sisterly dynamics, still making her and Ratchet pals, but also so that Kaden can ask her for dating advice.

I am still on the fence about how she is related to Wells, so she's a work-in-progress lol

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And so, that was the "short" character overview of all the (current) main characters currently planned in my AU!

If you're interested in reading more, read the series so far here on AO3!

#ratchet and clank #ratchetandclank #lost time #rivchet #ratchet and clank fanfiction #original character #character art

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jennyboom21 · 8 months ago

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In 2023 actor Sophia Bush made headlines when she filed for divorce one year after a storybook wedding. By the fall it was public knowledge that she was in a new relationship. With a woman. The internet seemed to be foaming at the digital mouth for a scandal, but to those who knew her, it was clear she’d never been more herself. Here, in her own words, Bush speaks to the power of finally learning to listen to her intuition.

In April of 2022 I was close to calling off my wedding. Instead of running away, I doubled down on being a model wife. In 2023 my now ex-husband posted a lovely tribute to our first anniversary on Instagram. When I saw it, I felt the blood drain from my face. Fans and friends were telling me how exciting this milestone was and how happy I looked. I felt nothing. Things hadn’t been easy at home, but everyone says marriage is hard, right? As the day wore on, I felt mounting pressure from strangers online waiting for me to post something—what a strange part of public life to have to navigate—so I sat myself down and chose a picture.

It was a black-and-white photograph of us running away from the camera. Yes, I see the bittersweet irony now. I wrote a really nice story about the people in that picture. Except it was just that: a story. I typed something about how incredibly happy I was and tried to drown out the familiar voice in my head. Make it look easy. Make it look perfect. If your smile is shiny enough, maybe no one will notice that up close all of your teeth are broken. But sometimes broken is just broken.

I hit post. And then I walked into the bathroom and threw up.

I believe in people and ideas so deeply—and those feelings are often so powerful to me—that I hadn’t realized I’d spent the last two decades moving through life showing up for others but often turning my back on myself. This time things felt different. Maybe it’s just cold feet, I told myself. Maybe I was too sensitive. Maybe this was the feeling you get when you settle down later in life and have to make space for another person. There have been moments in my life when it feels like the universe is screaming at me to pay attention. This was one of them, but I didn’t listen.

I kept repeating the adages we all know so well: Relationships are hard. Marriage takes compromise. You know the rest. And so I got married. We threw one of the greatest wedding weekends ever. We had an amazing time with our closest friends and family. It was truly one of the best parties I’ve ever been to, and we raised a ton of money for charity. I don’t regret any of that.

But after the wedding I found myself in the depths and heartbreak of the fertility process, which was the most clarifying experience of my life. It feels like society is finally making space for brutally honest conversations about how hard and painful any fertility journey is, but I kept mine private. I was trying to get through months of endless ultrasounds, hormone shots, so many blood draws that I have scar tissue in my veins, and retrieval after retrieval, while simultaneously realizing the person I had chosen to be my partner didn’t necessarily speak the same emotional language I did.

As I lost track of how many examination tables I had lain on alone, I felt something in me seismically shift. Six months into that journey, I think I knew deep down that I absolutely had made a mistake. It would take my head and heart a while longer to understand what my bones already knew.

And that’s why, when I got an opportunity to do a play in London, I had to go. I had to get out of our house. I had to get onstage. I had to get back in my body. Maybe that could shift things. Maybe that would jump-start the joy I’d been chasing. The play slowly began to put me back together. It was grueling, and it was also the most exhilarating experience. I loved every second of it.

But the book doesn’t lie. The body does, in fact, keep the score. When half of our company went down with a virus, everyone recovered fast except for me. I continued to decline. I would put every fiber of my being into my performance onstage, and then be packed in bags of ice as soon as the curtain closed. I spent multiple nights in the hospital, I was pumped with endless amounts of fluids, I underwent cardiac testing and organ monitoring. It was clear that my body was screaming and I had to listen. It was hard for me to accept. I was part of a team. But I needed to go home, where my doctors (and, truthfully, my health insurance) could get a better handle on my symptoms. My time in London was over. So was my marriage. It all came crashing down at once.

During the summer of 2023, I moved back into my empty home in LA. I was separated and preparing to file for divorce, and groups of women in my life started opening up about issues they were going through in their own homes. It seemed like every week there were more of us, including [former US soccer player] Ashlyn [Harris], whom I’d first met in 2019 and who was in the process of figuring out her own split from her wife. She’d been such a kind ear for those of us who opened up about our problems during a shared weekend of speaking engagements at a fancy conference in Cannes, and soon it became clear that she needed our ears too.

For those of us who had no solution in sight or Hail Marys left, having this community changed everything. We really wrapped one another up in support. It was tragic and hard. But it was also beautiful. There were moments of incredible sadness because no one signs up to get married thinking it’ll end. The days when we knew people needed to laugh, we sent inspirational memes and silly TikToks. We read books written by great therapists and shared emo quotes from poets. Our “Begin Again” Amazon shopping list, which we created for the ones moving out and starting over, has now been forwarded to so many other women.

I didn’t expect to find love in this support system. I don’t know how else to say it other than: I didn’t see it until I saw it. And I think it’s very easy not to see something that’s been in front of your face for a long time when you’d never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option. What I saw was a friend with her big, happy life. And now I know she thought the same thing about me.

It really took other people in our safe support bubble pointing out to me how we’d finish each other’s sentences or be deeply affected by the same things. When you’re so in the trenches of hardship—plus you have the added weight of having to go through it on a public stage—it can be hard to see anything but what’s right in front of you.

It took me confronting a lot of things, what felt like countless sessions of therapy, and some prodding from loved ones, but eventually I asked Ashlyn to have a non-friend-group hang to talk about it.

And that meal was four and a half hours long and truly one of the most surreal experiences of my life thus far. In hindsight, maybe it all had to happen slowly and then suddenly all at once. Maybe it was all fated. Maybe it really is a version of invisible string theory. I don’t really know. But I do know that for a sparkly moment I felt like maybe the universe had been conspiring for me. And that feeling that I have in my bones is one I’ll hold on to no matter where things go from here.

But there was a lot that quickly turned ugly too. People looking in from the outside weren’t privy to just how much time it took, how many painful conversations were had. A lot of effort was made to be graceful with other people’s processing, their time and obligations, and their feelings. What felt like seconds after I started to see what was in front of me, the online rumor mill began to spit in the ugliest ways. There were blatant lies. Violent threats. There were accusations of being a home-wrecker. The ones who said I’d left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women—my partners have known what I’m into for as long as I have (so that’s not it, y’all, sorry!).

The idea that I left my marriage based on some hysterical rendezvous—that, to be crystal-clear, never happened—rather than having taken over a year to do the most soul crushing work of my life? Rather than realizing I had to be the most vulnerable I’ve ever been, on a public stage, despite being terrified to my core? It feels brutal. Just because I didn’t want to process my realizations in real time on social media and spell them out for the world doesn’t mean the journey wasn’t long and thoughtful and exhaustive.

It’s painful to be doing deep work and have it picked apart by clueless strangers. Everyone that matters to me knows what’s true and what isn’t. But even still there’s a part of me that’s a ferocious defender, who wants to correct the record piece by piece. But my better self, with her earned patience, has to sit back and ask, What’s the fucking point? For who? For internet trolls? No, thank you. I’ll spend my precious time doing things I love instead.

I don’t believe it’s my place to discuss details of Ashlyn’s circumstances or her children, but I will say that I am absolutely in awe of her relentless integrity. The way she prioritizes and centers her kids, not only in her life but in the core of her being, is breathtaking to behold. Falling in love with her has sutured some of my own childhood wounds, and made me so much closer to my own mother. Seeing Ashlyn choose to not simply survive, but thrive, for her babies has been the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed a friend do. And now I get to love her. How lucky am I?

I sort of hate the notion of having to come out in 2024. But I’m deeply aware that we are having this conversation in a year when we’re seeing the most aggressive attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community in modern history. There were more than 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills proposed in state legislatures in 2023, so for that reason I want to give the act of coming out the respect and honor it deserves. I’ve experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself, I already felt it was my home. I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.

Would I have liked to make the public part of this journey a choice for myself, and not have it taken from my lips and set ablaze by gossip blogs and bottom-feeder online bots? Of course. I’m very aware, though, as we discuss bullying and harassment and being outed without consent—that I’m incredibly lucky this happened in my adulthood. I really love who I am, at this age and in this moment. I’m so lucky that my parents, having spent time with Ash over the holidays, said, “Well, this finally looks right.” I know it could have gone differently.

We’ve all learned about kids who have taken their own life after being outed or who have been killed simply for being who they are in a place or time that is threatened by their expressed joy. I am so lucky to be here, now. I have real joy. It took me 41 years to get here. And while I marvel at it, I will also make space for people’s pain. But I will not carry anyone’s projected shame. When I take stock of the last few years, I can tell you that I have never operated out of more integrity in my life. I hope that’s clear enough for everyone speculating out there, while being as gentle as I possibly can be.

After the news became public, my mom told me that one of her friends called her and said, “Well, this can’t be true. I mean, your daughter isn’t gay.” My mom felt that it was obvious, from the way her friend emphasized the word, that she meant it judgmentally. And you know what my mom said? “Oh honey, I think she’s pretty gay. And she’s happy.”

I finally feel like I can breathe. I don't think I can explain how profound that is. I feel like I was wearing a weighted vest for who knows how long. I hadn’t realized how heavy it was until I finally just put it down. This might sound crazy—but I think other people in trauma recovery will get it—I am taking deep breaths again. I can feel my legs and feet. I can feel my feet in my shoes right now. It makes me want to cry and laugh at the same time.

It is so, so scary to do the brave thing, to say, “I’m just not happy.” Especially if you’re in a partnership and you have to say it first. But if you do it, you get the chance to be happy. To find your joy. I turned 41 last summer, amid all of this, and I heard the words I was saying to my best friend as they came out of my mouth. “I feel like this is my first birthday,” I told her. This year was my very first birthday.

#sophia bush #her gf is an ass but I’d be hypocrite with any hateration #happy lesbian visibility week #coming out #the celesbians are restless

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puddingvalkyrie · 5 months ago

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Reading massively improved my mental health and I want to talk about it in case it can help others!

Y'all, I think we all need to read more books.

I know I'm an author so I WOULD say that and in fact, I DO say that to children at every opportunity (my dyslexia would be a LOT worse if I hadn't read so much as a kid) but hear me out.

So back in ...March/April I was pretty miserable and it was partly because Norwegian winter will do that to an unprepared foreigner but also because it was the anniversary of The Bad Thing so I felt miserable and alone.

I had no way to really remedy the situation.

But one thing I did do was... Finally crack. See, I'd been DYING to reread my Discworld books, but they are in a different country and I can't afford to go get them or have them sent to me. I have a few paper books here though - I mainly took my fairytale collections, because what did you expect? Actually I guess hardly anyone on Tumblr knows me - Alicia does two things. Vampires. And Fairytales. Didn't bring my vampire encyclopedia, too big and heavy. Anyway.

I have a part time job with an hour on the train each way. I started taking my paper books, my fairytale collections. They were full of short things I could finish easily in a train journey.

Some info. I had managed to sour reading for myself some years previously... I mainly read for research purposes, hardly picking up anything just for the fun of it. PSA: Don't do this. Do not do this. Don't. Do NOT.

And then I reread one of the few paper fiction books I had with me. I enjoy fairytales but they do still fall under 'sort of work' for me. This did not. This was a book I am eagerly awaiting the finale to.

Anyway, I finished it quickly, reading it both on and off the train. You know. For fun. Not just fill time I was stuck somewhere.

Finishing it annoyed me. I wanted more stories. I wanted more than fairytales. And so I cracked. I bought Equal Rites as an ebook. See, I'd previously decided I would not buy anything I already owned in paperback as an ebook because... Well, waste of money, something I don't have enough of. To buy my entire discworld collection in ebook format would cost as much as getting on a plane and bringing my paper ones back.

But just ONE book would be alright, wouldn't it?

So anyway I finished the book.

Of course I'm not going to read just ONE discworld book.

So I carefully ration myself ebooks, making a condition for myself that they are mainly for the train, but I am allowed to read them at home too.

And gradually... The fog lifted. Nothing much has changed besides that I'm reading books regularly again. I still have the same problems that were upsetting me in March. I was also HORRIBLY BURNED OUT until last week. But my mood is MASSIVELY improved. Like, hugely improved. And yeah, yeah, it's summer now, so the weather will have helped also. But I can pinpoint my recovery to when I started reading regularly again. And that is to say that while I was burned out, I wasn't ALSO sad.

So from now on I will be making an effort to keep reading books for fun.

It's kind of crazy that I had stopped for so long. I mean. I write books people are supposed to read for fun. Kinda hypocritical of me to like.. not do that.

I think maybe I have created this problem for myself with many of my hobbies. I tried to make drawing into a business, tried to do too much too fast, and since then I've barely drawn. I love cartoons so I watch them in Norwegian to help me learn - means I was never just relaxing while watching a cartoon for a few years. Recently started just watching cartoons in English/Japanese if I darn well feel like it.

...enough tangent, back to Why Reading Is Good.

Don't quote me on this, I am just scribbling down thoughts I've been meaning to write down for a month, therefore, am too lazy to track down any sources, but I'm pretty sure reading books is actually scientifically proven to help your brain?? I seem to remember reading your hippocampus shrinks if you don't exercise your brain enough and reading long stories does that. And a shrinking hippocampus causes depression?? I don't know anything much about brains and psychology so I must have read that somewhere.

I think a hippocampus is also like... A horse mermaid.

Again, no source, might be thinking of something from Mermaid Melody.

I'mma go read more of my current book now. It's a history book this time.

Yay books!

#reading #mental health #I've actually been creatively burned out for about three years also #it's JUST starting to lift #slowly #still some obstacles there #also someone said that's a sign of depression and ah yeah that would make sense #also going back and reading books that as a teen felt like they were an unreachable level of writing... this is reachable #I'm not there but I COULD be. One day. Feels almost treacherous to admit but hey I deserve a little self confidence #up yours imposter syndrome

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dannystattoo · 1 year ago

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august

chapter 1 - "i can see us lost in the memory"

you didn't plan on spending your summer fixing up your family's old cabin, but you also didn't plan on reconnecting with your childhood crush for the summer. based on august by taylor swift

Pairing: Danny Wagner x fem reader

Warnings: Some language, but that's about it

Spending the summer after your senior year of college helping maintain your grandparents’ cabin was not what you’d anticipated upon graduating. While you wouldn’t say you were ready to tackle job hunting just yet, you would have preferred to have at least been able to stay in the college town with all of your friends for a couple more months. You’d have loved to at least have a last hurrah before you all inevitably moved on to whatever was next. Life had a way of happening though. Your grandfather passed away in the winter and a lot had changed. Your grandma wasn’t able to live on her own, so she had moved in with your family for the time being. Your parents were also trying to figure out what to do with the cabin your grandparents had purchased decades ago. It was your grandpa’s pride and joy, and he would never let anyone sell it even if he’d barely been able to use it in the last few years. The rest of your family, grandma included, couldn’t care less about keeping the property in the family, Since you and your siblings all moved out of the house and didn’t have the opportunity to visit much anymore, they decided it was best to sell the house. However, it needed a lot of TLC before it could go on the market and you’d gotten roped into spending your summer taking care of the property. You cursed yourself for learning so many DIY skills in college when your friends had insisted on renting the shittiest house possible your sophomore year, as well as for being the golden child who couldn’t draw boundaries with your parents no matter how hard you tried.

…and that was how you found yourself looking around this house, wondering how the hell you were going to have it ready to list by August, in three months. Your dad offered to come up and help when he could on weekends and you did have a list of contractors your grandparents had previously used who could help with the things you weren’t able to do, but you were mostly on your own. You tried to remind yourself that his would give you the opportunity to save up some money since you weren’t paying rent and your family would be paying you for your work on the house. This would also give you time to polish your resume and work on perfecting your design portfolio, hopefully allowing you to move somewhere better than the sleepy midwest town you grew up in or the slightly less sleepy city you went to college in. Your ultimate goal was New York City, but you were aiming for Chicago right now. All things considered, though, the thought of a summer spent more or less by yourself doing a stupid amount of manual labor made the thought of living in the city in cramped apartment with multiple roommates and eating ramen for every meal sound appealing.

It had probably been about five years since you’d spent any sizable amount of time here, and that was around the same time your family started doing the bare minimum maintenance on the place. They’d also done the bare minimum when it came to cleaning, so you spent the entire morning making one of the bedrooms and one of the bathrooms clean and comfortable enough to get you through the first few days. Once you finished that, you started trying to make a game plan, but you became overwhelmed pretty quickly. Realizing it was nearing one in the afternoon, you decided to drive into town, pick up some fast food and take a break. You weren’t able to find much, but there was a Taco Bell within a reasonable driving distance. You returned home with your Nachos Bell Grande and a massive Baja Blast, hoping that would push you to have a productive evening. It was a beautiful day out, so you took you lunch out to the dock. The gate that led down to the water’s edge was a bit rusted and hard to open, but once you got it, you remembered why you loved coming here so much as a kid. Admittedly, once you looked past the state of the house and the yard, it was gorgeous out here. You were steps away from the lake, which had a tiny private sandy beach at its edge. Trees and plants in full bloom surrounded the lake, and you always loved the glow of the sun off the water. You told yourself that if you got through a clearing the clutter in the rooms you, your siblings, and cousins had shared as kids that day, you’d reward yourself with a glass of wine and a night spent on the patio with your designs. The change in scenery was inspiring you in a way you hadn’t expected. Looking at the nearby houses, you tried to remember all the kids you’d met here over the years. They were all fleeting friendships, lasting for only one week in the summer over the 4th of July and picking up the next year, depending on who returned and when. You’d met these kids well before social media, and you had no idea what happened to any of them after losing contact. You start thinking about them, wondering where life had taken everyone after those golden summers.

Lost in your thoughts, you didn’t notice that someone had appeared from the cabin next-door and they were walking down towards the water.

“I had no idea they sold this place,” the voice said as it came up behind you. Startled, you turned around to see a man approaching you. He looked like he was about your age, maybe slightly older. You could tell from his tan skin he probably spent a lot of time outside, giving the impression of someone else who might be spending the summer here. Based on appearances alone, that was something you could get on board with. You couldn’t overlook the fact he was gorgeous - you were immediately drawn to his intense eyes and radiant smile, and the fact his was absolutely ripped didn’t hurt matters.

“Because they didn’t,” you laughed. “Granted, it’s barely been used in at least five years, but yeah, haven’t sold yet.”

“Well that’s good, I always like the people who lived here.”

“You knew them?” you were taken by surprise.

“Oh yeah, my family owns the place next door. I’m Danny, by the way.”

“Y/N,” you said. The longer you looked at him, you began to think he looked vaguely familiar. “This is gonna sound weird, but we’ve met before haven’t we?”

“You have two older sisters and your family was always here the week of the 4th of July, right?”

“Yeah. You have a younger sister and you were also always here for the 4th of July?” As Dnny confirmed this, it all came flooding back to you.

He was part of the group of about a dozen of you who lived on this street that you’d just been thinking about. He was, in fact, a few years older than you, but you seemed to remember his younger sister was around your age. You also remembered you’d had a hugely embarrassing crush on Danny that resurfaced every year. God, you’d forgotten about him completely, as it had been ten years since you’d seen him, more since you’d seen him with any sort of regularity at the cabin. You remembered it all with clarity now.

He was three years older than you, and by the time you were eleven and he was fourteen, he started hanging out with the group less and less. Fair enough, he was a teenager, but it didn’t hurt any less. You’d always thought he was cute and he was the only boy in the group who was always nice to you. Looking back, he treated you like a little sister, but you didn’t see it that way then. You remembered the summer you were twelve and he was fifteen when he and another one of the older girls in the group stopped hanging out with you as frequently, only showing up at events where the entire family was present. You’d been devastated when you’d accidentally stumbled upon them making out in her room at a barbecue you’d all been at. By the next summer, you were convinced that because you were thirteen and a full fledged teenager, he’d finally be interested in you. Much to your dismay, he hadn’t even come up north that year, opting to stay home in order to spend more with his friends instead. It was only a couple more years before you stopped spending long stints there in the summer. You realized how much you’d forgotten about your time here.

“So what brings you back?” Danny’s question brought you back from your nostalgia.

“Well, my grandpa passed away over the winter -“

“Oh shit, i’m sorry.”

“Thank you. It wasn’t unexpected, but still. Anyway, my family is actually planning to sell now and I somehow got roped into coming out here for the summer to fix it up and get it ready to put on the market. You live in one shitty house that forces you to learn handy skills and they use it against your for the rest of your life,” you laughed.

“What, by yourself?”

“Not entirely, my dad is coming up to help me out when he can and we will need to hire people to do some of the more complicated projects. But yeah, mostly.” You were kicking yourself the moment you said it. Way to go, Y/N, you thought to yourself. You don’t know the first thing about this guy anymore and he could be a crazed serial killer for all you knew.

“Anyway, I could ask you the same thing,” you shifted the attention back to him.

“Honestly, I don’t know. Getting away, I guess? I’ve been so stuck with work lately and I thought a change of scenery might be good. Don’t ask why my first inclination was to come here, but it was.”

“By yourself?”

“For now. Three of my friends, more like my brothers actually, are planning to come up in a few weeks and spend most of the summer. They may be going back and forth between here and home a bit more than me though.”

“Where do you live?”

“Nashville.”

“That’s so cool, I unfortunately didn’t get to go far for college and I was so lucky to move back to my hometown in Michigan after graduation. I’m hoping to save up some money over the summer so I can start looking to move. Enough about me, what is it you do for work?” You were intrigued when he said he was “uninspired”, wondering if he did something creative too.

“Uh, musician,” he said running his hand through his dark curls. You could tell he assumed you’d react a certain way.

“No shit, that’s sick! What kind of music?”

“I’m in a rock band, drummer. I know it probably sounds kind of lame, but we’ve actually released a few single, and EP, and we just got a contract for our first full record. As exciting as all of that is, I’m having a hell of a time getting anything written to contribute to it. Decided I’d come here for a little bit first by myself, and then the guys are gonna join me in a couple weeks. I thought maybe getting out of the city would help. Plus the lease on my place was up last week and the house I’m set to move into isn’t available September 1st.”

“Well, I don’t think that’s lame at all. I’m trying to break into design, so I kind of get it.”

“Oh really, what kind?”

“My dream would be fashion, it was my main area of focus in school, but I’ve also been building by graphic design portfolio to have something more ‘practical’, as my parents would say.”

“I get that, I’m sure you can imagine my parents were just thrilled when I said I had no desire to go to college right after graduating high school.”

“Sounds like you’re doing great anyway,” you shrugged. You guys talked comfortably for quite a bit longer, catching up on the past ten years. It was nice to have found a friend so early on, at least you hoped you’d found a friend. Danny was so easy to talk to and you felt an effortless connection, even if you hadn’t seen him in a literal decade. Eventually, you picked up your phone, sitting abandoned on the table, and you didn’t like the time.

“Oh god, how is it already three? I’m so sorry, but I should probably go, I have so much work to do,”

“Honey, you have all summer,” Danny said. You wouldn’t admit that your stomach flipped when he called you that. Fuck, were you attracted to him now, still?

“You’re right, but you have no idea how much I have to do.”

“Can I help with anything? I know I didn’t come here for home renovation projects, but you could persuade me, I think.”

“I would actually really appreciate that, if only for the company. Tell you what, my main goal for the day was to start cleaning out some of the bedrooms, if you’d want to help? When we make some good progress, maybe we can grab dinner? Like I said, even if it’s just for the company and an accountability buddy.”

“I’d love that. Honestly, I’ve only been here like two days and I’m going insane in my own company. I was so hung up on the idea of taking a solitary trip to work that I forgot I’m an extrovert.” You smiled at him, grabbed your Taco Bell remains, and led him into the house.

“Not to be rude, but you weren’t kidding,” Danny said, looking around the house.

“Yeah, it’s so, so bad. We’ve hardly been up here since like, 2017, what with life and school and work, and that was around the time my grandparents weren’t able to come up here by themselves anymore. I think my parents did just enough maintenance so that the neighbors wouldn’t lose their minds.”

“Gives me an excuse to offer my services around here a lot then?”

“I think that sounds perfect,” you smiled, leading Danny to the bedroom you and your sisters shared years ago. Before you could stop yourself, you caught yourself thinking that you’d love to be taking him back to your room under much different circumstances. You couldn’t believe that you were down bad for this guy yet again, hours after seeing him for the first time in a decade.

To be continued

#danny wagner #greta van fleet #greta van fic #daniel wagner #danny gvf #sam kiszka #josh kiszka #jake kiszka #danny wagner x reader

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jxtina-86 · 3 months ago

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No Regrets

Sequel to She's Not Anyone. There's a question to be asked. A question to be answered. Seth/Siobhan See here for the rest of the series/order to read.

Warnings: Language & Smut

Rating: MA

Lyrics taken from Heroes by Peter Gabriel

Italics = flashbacks

Seth's POV

I open my eyes and squint at the rising sun. It takes me a minute to realise where I am, but when it finally clicks into place, I can't help but grin. I stretch slowly, wincing slightly as I move my knee but there isn't much that can shift the grin from my face. A hand slides down my chest and I look down to see Siobhan's pale fingers splayed against my tanned skin. She wriggles behind me and I can feel her bare breasts press firmly into my back. Placing my hand over hers, I lace our fingers together, slowly drawing her hand up to my mouth. She mumbles softly in her sleep as I kiss the tip of each finger.

Rolling onto my back, I take in the mass of red hair spread across her face and pillow. She lets out a quiet whine at my change in position, her body automatically moving closer as she buries her head between my shoulder and the pillow. Reaching over, I start to push the strands of hair away, letting my fingers work through its length until I can clearly make out her cheek, her lips, her closed eyes. Her nose scrunches up as I press my lips to her forehead.

“Seth...”

“Sorry,” I murmur. “Go back to sleep.”

She groans again, moving onto her back and then rolling to face away from me, the sheets slipping down her body. I tug them slowly back up as I move closer, my arm curling over her waist to pull her back against me. She hums in appreciation, her ass wriggling against me as she gets comfortable. A soft sigh leaves her body as she relaxes into my embrace and I can't help but smile as she does.

I can tell by the change in her breathing that she's drifted back to sleep, but I don't mind. There's been so many times over the last few months where the roles have been reversed, when it was me who's fallen asleep with my head in her lap or woken up in the morning, only to roll back over into her arms and fall back to sleep, exhausted from endless rehab. My progress has been steady, my determination relentless, but it's still going to take time. Frustration doesn't even begin to cover it, but every time I've felt close to breaking, Siobhan has been there. It might just be a squeeze of my hand, a kiss to my cheek, a soft murmuring of 'I love you', but every time it's given me the perspective and strength I need to keep going.

And now I'm determined to show her how much all of that has meant to me. We landed late last night, arriving at the resort a little after midnight. Siobhan's head was already lolling against my shoulder as we checked in and she made a beeline for the bed before the porter had even left the room. The second the door clicked shut behind him, she was stripping, her clothes landing haphazardly on the floor and nearby couch. I soon followed her, but not before I took the opportunity to take in the peace and quiet of our surroundings.

Although advertised as a room, it's only got three walls, the fourth 'open' to give way to a step down to two sun chairs and our own private pool. And beyond that? I couldn't make anything out in the darkness, aside from a faint glimmer of waves in the moonlight. But this morning, with the sun on the rise, I can clearly see the wide expanse of the Caribbean sea in the distance, the view framed by two magnificent green mountain sides. Despite having ogled at the exact same view via the resorts' website, it's still breathtaking to see it in all its glory. I grin to myself – I've been careful to only reveal small details of our trip to Siobhan, initially only telling her to pack for somewhere hot. Only when we landed in Miami to transfer did I reveal the exact location, laughing as her face lit up and she let out a squeal. Landing late meant I could delay the big reveal till this morning and as I feel her move in my arms, her body stretching against mine, I feel nervous excitement zip through me.

I press a kiss to her head, my hand sliding from her stomach up to settle just under her breasts, my fingers gently exploring their soft underside. She squirms, her head rocking forward, allowing me to lower my mouth to the back of her neck.

She lets out a satisfied sigh, her back arching so that her ass presses firmly into my lap. My dick stirs at the contact and I drop my hand to her hip, stilling her movements.

“Spoil sport,” she mumbles.

I chuckle. “All in good time.”

Her head rolls back and she slowly opens her eyes. “What time is it?”

“Early.”

She yawns. “Why is it so bright?”

I grin and nod behind her. “Why don't you take a look?”

She gives me a puzzled look, before she turns away. “Seth...”

My grin widens as I curl my arms tighter around her. “Pretty amazing, huh?”

“Wow...” she exhales. “It's beautiful.”

I nuzzle at her neck. “Just like you.”

She giggles. “You're so corny, Rollins.”

“You love it.”

She rocks her head back against my shoulder. “You already know I do.” She looks up at me. “Thank you.”

I shake my head. “No thanks required. In fact, it's me that should be thanking you.”

“For what?”

“Everything.”

She cups my cheek, her fingers stroking my beard. “You didn't have to take me here to say thanks for that.”

I raise my eyebrow. “I think we both know that's not why we're here.”

Siobhan smiles. “I know. So why dress it up as anything else?”

“Because I still need to thank you for everything you've done for me over the last few months.”

“But you don't need to. I mean, that's what couples do right? Be there for each other through the good and the bad.”

“We've had more bad than good recently,” I murmur.

“I dunno,” she whispers, her hand sneaking around the back of my neck to pull me down to her mouth. “I can think of one or two good times.”

“Siobhan...”

“Yes?”

Even though I know the TV is still playing in the background, I can't make out the sounds. All I can hear is the blood pounding in my ears as she holds my gaze, her face impassive as I wet my lips.

“Will...” I swallow, my tongue thick in my mouth. “Would you take me seriously now?”

“Seth-”

I cut her off, reaching for her hand. “If I asked you now, would you take me seriously?”

“Are you asking me now?”

I chuckle in spite of myself. “Not how this works, sweetheart. I believe I'm the one who's supposed to ask the question.”

“Then ask the right one,” she murmurs with a grin, her fingers sliding between mine.

“But are you going to take me seriously?”

She stares at me for a second, her eyes darting between my hand in hers and my face. “Yes.”

My heart starts to thud as I squeeze her hand. “Siobhan–”

But she interrupts me. “I know I said I'm not one for romance–”

“Exactly, so–”

She presses a finger to my lips. “Let me finish. I know I said that, but you also said that you'd thought about this and I don't want you to compromise on any plans you might have had.” Her gaze ducks down and then she looks up at me through thick eyelashes. “This... This is for both of us, right?”

I reach out and tuck my fingers under her chin, lifting her gaze fully. “Don't you think that you've compromised enough for me?”

“I...”

“You gave us a chance for me, you moved across the country for me, you changed your career for me, you–”

“For us,” she says. “I did all of that for us.”

“They're still compromises that you made. What have I done?”

“So much,” she murmurs. “You forgive me when I fuck up. You keep me sane when work gets too much. You... You love me.”

“I love you, you love me; that's how it works, sweetheart,” I say with a smile, reaching for her other hand. She clutches at it, her eyes flickering between my face and our hands joined in front of us.

“But still, you don't have to do this now.”

“I want to.”

“Seth–”

“Siobhan,” I swallow, my hands gripping hers even tighter as I feel a tremor of nerves rip through me. I clear my throat with a chuckle. “Y'know, I had this whole speech planned. I was gonna fill the apartment with candles before you got home from a trip, wear a suit and get down one knee. And yet, here we are in some crappy hotel room, I'm in sweats and there ain't a chance in hell that I can get down on either knee right now.”

Siobhan giggles, her eyes starting to shine.

“I was gonna tell you how fucking lucky I am to share my life with you, sweetheart. I had this whole thing about that night in Vegas,” I shake my head. “It was so corny... You'd have loved it.”

She squeezes my hand softly. “Tell me.”

“When we were playing roulette and I tried to get you to quit just before you got that big win. You told me that didn't sound like much fun. And I said it was the sensible thing to do. 'Screw sensible', you said,” I smile. “You teased me about that night we first met you and Lex. You asked me if I was quitting whilst I was ahead when I backed off and left you both to it. Thing is, I did quit whilst I was ahead back then. And I've regretted it ever since. I've regretted it because I missed out on a few more years with the most incredible, caring, sexy, loving girl. I'm not going to let that happen again, Siobhan. When it comes to you, I'm never quitting. Not now, not ever.”

“I regretted it too.”

I stare at her. “Sweetheart–”

“I regretted leaving that bar when I did. I regret telling you that I didn't want anything more than one night in Vegas. I regret...” She closes her eyes and exhales. “I regret every single time I stopped myself from calling you that year.”

Letting go of her hand, I reach up and cup her cheek. “Hey, it's okay. We got there in the end, right?”

Her eyes open and my heart threatens to break when I see the unspilt tears. “Go on,” she murmurs with a smile. “You make your big speech, make me cry and then...”

I smile back, my grin widening. “I was gonna get down on one knee, offer you the ring and tell you that this time, I'm all in.”

“Yes.”

I chuckle. “I still haven't asked.”

“I don't care. Yes.” She leans forward, her hands cupping my face. “I'm all in too, Seth.”

Her mouth is soft, tender. My hands slide down her back, gripping her hips as I ease her closer, pulling her onto my lap. She whines into the kiss, almost pulling back to protest, but I refuse to let go. Her legs slide around my waist as I cup the back of her head, my fingers twisting through her long hair, anchoring her to me. I can feel dampness on my cheeks and as I pull back for a quick breath, I realise the unspilt tears are starting to make their escape. I press my lips to her cheeks, kissing them away as she murmurs softly to me.

“Yes, Seth... Yes.”

Siobhan is outstretched on one of the sun chairs when I return from the gym. She glances over her shoulder, pushing her sunglasses up onto her head.

“Perfect timing,” she grins, waving the bottle of sun lotion at me. “How was it?”

I shrug. “Gets better every time.” I peel off my sweat-ridden shirt and drop it next to the bed. “How about you join me in the shower? I'll wash your back and slather on lotion for you.”

She giggles. “It's a tempting offer.”

“And yet you're not rushing towards the bathroom...” I tap my chin in mock-thought. “What can I possibly do to sweeten the deal?”

“Have you seen the shower?”

“What do you mean?”

She raises an eyebrow. “It's got three massive windows on one side.”

I laugh as I close the gap between us. “Privacy wasn't exactly your concern earlier this morning.”

Her cheeks redden. “That was different.”

“How so?” I ask as I run my hands across her bare shoulders.

She gestures at the view before us. “No-one's gonna be peeking in on us from out there.”

“I dunno, I hear those paparazzi lenses are pretty good at picking up long-range shots,” I grin as she swats at me.

“Not helping!”

“Sweetheart, there is no denying that this morning you were quite the exhibitionist. Nothing to be ashamed of. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Watching your ass bounce on my dick...” My fingers pluck at the string-tie of her bikini. “And then when you leant forward... Fuck...” I exhale slowly, my hands sliding over her chest as I push away her bikini top.

She mewls softly at my touch, her back arching as my fingers tweak at her nipples. “I figured,” she manages to gasp. “I figured that it was the best way for us to both enjoy the view.”

“And what a view it was...” I murmur. It's true. Watching the sun rise whilst Siobhan fucked herself on my dick, her pale skin glowing in the soft orange and yellow is definitely something I'd like to repeat every day for the rest of time. “So tell me again how that differs from us taking a shower together?”

“Because showers with you are never sweet and innocent.”

“I don't ever hear you complaining.”

“Usually our showers take place in an enclosed space. With no windows.”

“Well then,” I reach for her hand and slowly pull her off the chair. “We'll just have to be discreet.”

My phone beeps in my pocket and I draw it out with a shaky hand.

I think I'm actually going to be late. xx

I chuckle and then curse my own nerves as I tap out a reply that's littered with errors on the first and second attempt thanks to my trembling fingers.

It's okay. They're running late here too. xx

Siobhan replies seconds later with a smiley face and I swallow hard as I feel my heart lurch in my chest, the beats so loud, so fast that I struggle to focus on anything but it. I run a hand over my head, my fingers twisting into the knot at the back of my neck. Sliding my phone back into my pocket, I start to untie and retie the hairband, repeatedly scraping back the hair until I'm satisfied with the results.

My phone beeps again.

Just pulling up outside. xx

I'm about to reply when a voice calls out my name.

“Mr Rollins?”

I glance up and see a lady at the far end of the hall with a clipboard. Standing, I make my way down towards her.

“Mr Rollins,” she says with a smile. “If you'd like to come–” She pauses. “You're alone?”

I smile apologetically. “She just text to say she's outside. Is it possible to wait a minute?”

She glances at her watch and then at the clipboard.

“Please?” I beg, watching her intently as she sighs.

“Seth!”

I turn around and my breath catches in my throat.

Siobhan smiles shyly at me, one hand nervously smoothing her dress whilst the other fumbles with her coat and purse. Her red hair is pulled into loose braid that hangs over her shoulder, its redness in stark contrast to the white lace of her dress. The hem bounces against her thighs as she walks slowly towards us, my eyes dropping to take in the length of her legs.

“Sorry I'm late,” she says to Clipboard Lady, who shrugs in response.

“You're here now. If you'd both like to follow me.”

Siobhan's hand slips into mine as she passes me. Glancing over her shoulder, she throws me a cheeky grin. “You coming?”

I nod dumbly, my eyes raking over back, the lace delicately kissing her shoulders, falling away to nothing before cinching in her waist.

“You look beautiful,” I murmur as we head through one door and then another.

“I thought I'd go all in,” she replies. “I only plan to do this once.”

“I should hope so,” I chuckle. “I'm glad you did though. I was worried I might look a bit ridiculous.”

We pause in small ante-room, Clipboard Lady announcing she'll be back for us in a few minutes. Siobhan turns to face me, her eyes casting over my choice of clothes.

“You look very handsome.”

Pride swells through me as she reaches up to straighten my tie, her fingers brushing lightly over my beard as she reaches up to offer me a chaste kiss. My hands glide up her arms as she pulls back, her gaze rising to meet mine.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask. “We don't have to–”

“I don't want to wait.”

“What about your family, your friends?”

“No fuss,” she says firmly, her fingers brushing across my temple. “Unless you want–”

“No,” I rush to put her mind at ease. “Just us.”

She smiles as my arms circle her. “As long as you're–”

I silence her with a kiss. “I couldn't have imagined this any other way, sweetheart,” I murmur against her lips.

“Me neither,” she replies.

There's gentle cough behind us and I turn my head to see Clipboard Lady standing in the doorway. “If you'd like to come through...”

I turn back to Siobhan. “Ready?”

“Ready.”

My fingers brush against the thin strip of bare skin between Siobhan's skin-tight shirt and her skirt. Despite the fact that we've spent most of our first day in various states of undress, seeing her dolled up still takes my breath away. Her long hair is slung over one shoulder, her white shirt clinging to her upper body, highlighting the soft freckles that are already starting to appear on her arms from the sun, her black skirt hugs her waist, her hips, her ass, only stopping after the knee to reveal the rest of her legs, which are endless thanks to her skyscraper heels.

“Drink first?” she asks me as we approach the main resort area, her hand slipping into mine and already tugging me towards the bar.

“Are you trying to delay the inevitable?”

She casts me a curious look over her shoulder as we enter the bar and start to wind our way through the tables. “The inevitable?”

My hands fall to grip at her hips as we reach the bar and wait to be served. “You know damn well what I'm referring to,” I murmur as she reaches for the drinks menu.

“I assume if you had it your way, we'd never leave the room,” she comments as she flicks through the list of cocktails.

“Damn straight.”

“I'd be handcuffed to the bed naked, right?”

I chuckle. “Now there's an idea.”

“Behave, Mr Rollins.”

I'm about to reply when the barman interrupts to take our order. As he starts to make our drinks, Siobhan turns to face me, leaning back against the bar. My hands still grip her hips, my tongue absentmindedly wetting my lips as I feel her gaze rake up my chest. Her hand slips over mine, her fingers lightly scratching my skin as she works her way up my bare forearm, pausing to fiddle with the rolled up cuffs of my dress shirt before moving higher to fumble with collar.

“See something you like?” I smirk as her fingers slip inside my collar to rub at the back of my neck.

“Perhaps,” she replies nonchalantly, but there's a gleam in her eye that I've seen countless times before.

I lift a hand from her hips to nudge my glasses up the bridge of my nose. “Rude to stare though.”

“I wasn't staring,” she retorts. “Just...” she pauses with a grin. “Just admiring the view.”

“Likewise.” I gently ease a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Don't,” she murmurs.

“Don't what?” My finger runs down the column of her throat, my smirk growing as I feel her shiver.

“I...” Her tongue darts out to wet her lips. “I won't last through one drink if you keep looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you're seconds away from fucking me on this bar.”

“You say that like it's a bad thing.”

She pouts, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Privacy, Rollins.”

“You proved earlier that it wasn't that much of a concern.”

Her cheeks redden, her gaze dropping away. It didn't take much to finally convince her to join me in the shower, even less when I gently backed her up against the wall, one hand already curling her leg around my waist. Her hands gripped my shoulders as I eased myself inside her, our pace slow as we struggled to keep our balance. My mouth was on her neck as we pushed and pulled at each other, until her nails clawed at my back and her teeth sank into my shoulder to stop herself from screaming.

“Anyway,” I murmur, my fingers tucking under her chin to lift her head back up. “You think anyone else here cares? Looks to me like everyone else is wrapped up in their own little worlds.”

Her eyes dart around the bar, taking in the handful of other couples all of whom seemingly have only eyes for each other. A small smile tugs at her lips and I feel her arms slide around my waist.

“Thank you,” she whispers as the barman carefully places our drinks on the bar, along with the check.

“We went over this,” I remind her as I charge the drinks to our room and then pass Siobhan's drink to her. “No thanks required.”

“We didn't have to come here.”

I shake my head. “Yes, we did. Just because everything else was low-key, doesn't mean that this has to be as well.”

“Low-key is a bit of an understatement,” Siobhan winks over the rim of her glass.

“No regrets though?” I ask hesitantly. I was surprised when she first suggested it, her voice as hesitant as mine is now. But all I wanted was for her to be happy. And if keeping it low-key, even if that is understatement, was what would make her happy, then I was right there with her.

“Definitely not,” she smiles up at me. “It was perfect.”

“Do you have two witnesses?” Clipboard Lady asks.

Siobhan looks at me. “We thought we might ask the couple before us.”

Clipboard Lady just nods, as if this happens all the time. “Well, they're just finishing up.”

The door behind her opens and an elderly couple emerges, arms linked. Behind them are a handful of guests and I watch as Siobhan's face breaks into a heartwarming smile as she eyes them up.

“Congratulations” she starts, stepping forward, my hand still firmly in hers. “I'm so sorry to ask as I know that you've just had your own ceremony, but would you mind being witnesses for ours?”

“Don't you have any guests of your own, dear?” the elderly woman asks, peering behind us.

“No,” Siobhan squeezes my hand. “We're just keeping this to ourselves for now.”

There's a short pause, murmurings from their guests. “Well, in that case,” the woman beams. “We'd be delighted.”

“Thank you,” I say, offering my hand to both of them. “We really appreciate it.”

Their guests shuffle out of the way so we can enter the small ceremony room. The judge stands at the far end, talking to the Clipboard Lady but he smiles warmly as we approach.

“Ah, Harold and Joy, we meet again,” he says when he spots the elderly couple behind us. He peers down at the marriage licence in his hands. “And you must be Siobhan and Seth. Pleased to meet you. My name's Jack and I'll be presiding over today's proceedings.”

He asks us to stand in front of the simple lectern, with Harold and Joy standing off to one side. Clipboard Lady offers to take Siobhan's coat and purse, placing them on a chair at the edge of the room. I watch as Siobhan's hands twist nervously in front of her, her eyes darting around the room before settling back on me.

“You okay?” I murmur.

She smiles. “Never better.”

Reaching out, I slip my hand over hers and tug her a little closer. “I love you.”

“Love you too,” she whispers.

“Right, so do you have any rings?” Jack looks up from the lectern.

“No, we've decided not to have any,” I tell him, one eye on Siobhan who grins back at me.

He nods. “Not a problem. Any vows of your own?”

Siobhan shakes her head. “No, we'd just like to keep it simple.”

“Of course,” Jack smiles. “Well, let's get started shall we?”

Shuffling his papers, he clears his throat and starts to talk. I'm desperately trying to pay attention, but it's hard when Siobhan is holding my gaze, her eyes entrancing as her thumb slowly rubs across my knuckles. When the judge murmurs our names, her head twists towards him, loosening a strand of hair from her braid and I automatically reach out to push it back into place. She glances at me with a smile before her eyes flicker towards the jude, urging me to do the same.

“Right, so Seth, repeat after me.”

My tongue feels thick and heavy, the words almost alien as he reads them out and pauses for me to repeat. Siobhan's eyes are locked with mine yet again, the edges of them starting to shine as she squeezes my hand tightly.

“And now Siobhan...”

“Seth Rollins,” her voice is shaky. “I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband.... Before these witnesses...” she exhales, her voice starting to crack. “I vow to love you.... And care for you... As long as we both shall live.”

Tears start to spill down her cheeks and I'm quick to brush them away, stepping closer and pulling her into my arms. There's a soft tap on my arm and I glance over my shoulder to see Joy offering me a bunch of tissues. I take them with a murmur of thanks, offering them to Siobhan who accepts them with a sniff and a small smile.

Jack clears his throat. “As there are no rings to exchange, the only thing left to say is that I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Harold and Joy promptly burst into clapping, as does the Jack. “And you may now kiss your bride,” he smiles at me.

My hand slides around the back of Siobhan's neck, pulling her ever closer. Brushing my fingers across her cheeks, I lean forward and press my lips gently against hers. Her hand, still clutching at the tissues, falls against my chest, her fingers scratching at my shirt as her arm circles my shoulders, holding me to her as she deepens the kiss. It feels wonderfully strange, holding her in my arms having just promised to spend the rest of my life with her. Any nerves that I felt in the minutes leading up to this moment have promptly vanished, leaving with nothing other than pure, unadulterated happiness.

Siobhan pulls away from me, her lips plump and perfect, her giggle vibrating through me as I lean forward and exchange another kiss, albeit a slight more chaste affair than before. Her thumb brushes over my lips with a soft murmur of 'lipstick', and it takes all my strength not to kiss her, my wife, again and again.

Siobhan's POV

I shriek as Seth tugs at my legs, his grip on my ankles firm as he tries to pull me from the swing seat that hangs above our private pool. I slip from the seat, landing with a splash in the water and rise, spluttering and cursing him.

“What?” he stares at me innocently, his hair slicked back, his skin enviously dark in comparison to mine which remains pale with hundreds more freckles. I had joked the night before that my body was starting to resemble a dot-to-dot. It wasn't long before I found myself sprawled face down on the bed, whilst Seth carefully ran his finger from freckle to freckle, followed my his lips and tongue until I was begging him to... Well, to do anything to satisfy the heat gathering between my legs.

“I know your game,” I tell him with a mocking glare. “You just wanna get me in here so that I'll ask you to rub sun lotion on me again in a few minutes time.”

“I'm hurt that you think I would have such an obvious ulterior motive,” he grins, swimming closer, his fingers brushing over my hips under the water. “Interesting how the roles have reversed though. Once upon a time, it was you trying to convince me to get into the water.”

“I fully blame that on the Vegas,” I murmur as he pushes my wet hair away from my neck.

“Sure,” he nods, lifting me effortlessly so that I'm forced to wrap my legs snugly around his waist. “Nothing to do with the fact that you wanted this dick.”

His hips roll against mine and I can feel the outline of his semi-hard length press against my inner thigh.

“Mighty full of yourself today,” I observe, but my legs are automatically gripping his waist a little tighter as he navigates us towards the edge of the pool.

“I have good reason,” he replies as he nuzzles my cheek, his mouth so close to mine.

“Yeah?”

His fingers dance over my back, tugging at my bikini tie and I familiar warmth floods through me. “Well, I'm one lucky man,” he murmurs against my mouth. “And lucky men know not waste a good thing when they have it. And I'll be damned if I waste time sunbathing and swimming when I got my beautiful wife just lounging around in teeny-tiny bikinis.”

My heart pounds, just like it did when we exchanged vows, when the judge announced us husband and wife, when Seth kissed me, when we left the courthouse, heading across the city to firmly cement our marriage, my dress shielded underneath my coat so that no-one would suspect a thing.

“That a good enough reason for you, Mrs Rollins?”

The street is quiet when we pull up outside. Seth cuts the engine and we sit for a few moments listening to it die into nothing.

“You sure about this?” he asks, reaching over to run a thumb over my hand.

“Positive,” I say, watching his large hand cover my smaller one. “Are you? I mean, maybe this was a bit of a crazy idea.”

He shakes his head. “We need something, even if it's just for the two of us.”

“Are you sure he won't spill the beans?” I eye up the shop front.

He chuckles. “He said it would only be him tonight, no-one else. And he's not one to chat shit about his customers.”

I chew my lip. “Do you think I'm silly for want to keep this all to ourselves?”

Seth's face softens. He knows why I'm asking this now, he knows why I didn't want to splash the news around, even to friends and family. It might have been years since our first outing together, but it doesn't make it any easier when it comes to his fan base. There's still a hardcore group who still have be down as public enemy number one and I have done my best to stop adding fuel to their fire. But no matter how private we attempt to be, the hatred is still there.

He did his best to convince me otherwise, to screw the haters, to give them a big fuck you with a full-out white wedding. But when I confessed that I never wanted a big wedding anyway, he let the idea go and told me that he'd do whatever I wanted. We debated long and hard over telling our families as a bare minimum, but I knew my own parents would never agree to keeping it quiet from my countless aunts and uncles and various family friends. So we kept it quiet from everyone, heading down to the courthouse a few days after when we arrived back in Iowa to get the licence arranged. And then we waited.

Waited until Seth was without crutches, without a constant brace supporting his knee. We waited until he could walk with only the slightest of limp before we headed to the courthouse earlier today.

“It's not silly,” he tells me gently. “If today is what makes you happy, then who gives a crap what anyone else thinks? I certainly don't. All I care about is that we're married. Nothing would have changed the way I feel right now, sweetheart.” He pauses, leaning over the console to cup the back of my neck. “I'm over the fucking moon, Siobhan. And that's down to you and what this means, not where it took place or how many people know.”

I blink, fighting back the tears that threaten to spill for the second time in the matter of hours. “Are you determined to make me a sobbing wreck, Rollins?” I try to smile, but my chin is starting to wobble.

He presses his forehead against mine, his warm breath floating across my cheek as he chuckles. “No, but it doesn't seem to be that difficult.” I swat at him playfully and he catches my hand in his, drawing it up to press a kiss to each knuckle.

“We should go in,” I say as I watch him, his eyes flickering shut when he reaches my ring finger. “You said he stayed open late just for us, so we shouldn't keep him waiting.”

Seth nods, drawing back to grab the keys from the ignition as I check my purse. But before I can even open my own door, he's there, opening it for me, offering me his hand.

“How long is this gentleman act going to last?” I muse as he tucks his arm around me and we head towards the door.

“I've always been a gentleman,” he smirks, opening the door and standing back. “Ladies first.”

I stick my tongue out as I pass him, a warm glow flooding through me as I feel his hand on my lower back, his solid frame close behind me.

“Hey, man,” he calls out as we enter and I see a tall figure emerge from a closet behind the counter.

“Seth, good to see you, bro.”

I watch as Seth and the guy exchange a brief hug, the former immediately returning to my side and reaching once again for my hand before introducing us.

“Siobhan, this is Kevin. Kevin, Siobhan.”

“Good to meet you,” Kevin grins. “And congratulations.”

“Thanks,” I smile.

“So, do you want to get started? You guys already know what you're having, right? And where?” He moves away to the back room, beckoning for us to follow.

“Yeah, exactly what we spoke about the other day,” Seth confirms.

“No problem. Well, I just need you guys to sign a few forms and then we are good to go,” he looks up. “Who's going first?”

“Ladies first,” Seth says with a wink at me and I scowl.

“Oh, I see, you're going to play the gentleman card again?”

“Only because I know if you watch me go first, you'll chicken out.”

“I'm not going to chicken out!”

“Then ladies first,” Seth grins. “And anyway, this was your idea.”

I grumble under my breath, but he's right. It, like everything else, was my idea. Rings can be lost; my own mother lost her wedding ring a few years ago and has never forgiven herself since. Rings can be noticed, an obvious symbol to anyone at work, in the locker-room, to the fans that gather outside the arenas every night to watch Seth and the others arrive. Straight after he proposed, I told him I didn't even want an engagement ring, that he should spend the money on something else rather than something I wouldn't end up wearing.

But a tattoo? Something small on the side of our ring fingers? Less visible, more private, more personal to the both of us. We'd mulled over many a design over the last few weeks, eventually deciding on the most simple of the lot. And then on the way to meet me at the courthouse to pick up the marriage licence, Seth made a detour to book the appointment for this evening.

Removing my coat, I sling it over a nearby chair and then take a seat next Kevin. Seth moves another chair closer to sit on my other side. His hand brushes against my knee, moving to my thigh where he squeezes reassuringly as Kevin offers me a form to sign before he starts to clean the small area on the inside of my left ring finger.

“You okay?” Kevin asks as he presses the small outline onto my skin. “It'll be five minutes max.”

“I'm good.”

Seth chuckles. “You've gone whiter than your dress.”

I throw him a dirty look, but my resolve quickly crumbles as I hear the familiar buzz of the machine start up. My head rocks onto his shoulder, my eyes closing as I feel Kevin's hand grip my finger firmly. Seth's hand moves to the back of my head, tucking my face closer to his neck where I breathe deeply, letting the smell of his cologne cloud my mind from the sharp pain.

“Almost there,” he murmurs softly as I feel Kevin wipe at the nearly complete tattoo, the machine still buzzing away. “It looks really good, sweetheart.”

I can feel him swallow thickly and I lift my head up slightly. His eyes are fixated on Kevin and my hand, his eyes dark and unreadable, but there's nothing he can do to hide the shaky breath, the small tremor in his chin as his gaze falls to my face.

“Better than any ring,” he murmurs as Kevin declares he's finished. When I turn to inspect the small piece of work, I can only nod in agreement.

I slide my hand over Seth's, plucking lazily at his ring finger. He murmurs something I don't quite catch, his body warm and comforting behind me as we lounge on the swing seat and watch the sun set. I trace the outline of the tattoo over and over again, following the never-ending line that forms the infinity symbol. I spent most of the flight down here doing the exact same action to both his and mine, still trying to comprehend the milestone we'd just achieved together.

Seth was right when he said it was better than any ring. Some people might tut and shake their head, calling us naïve to get such a tattoo as a sign of our marriage, but I would wholeheartedly disagree. The proposal, the wedding itself, the tattoo, none of those things were taken lightheartedly. I wouldn't have agreed to any of this if it felt temporary. For me, for us, this is permanent and the tattoo is just a small symbol of that dedication.

“What time do you want to go for dinner?” Seth murmurs, his fingers interlacing with mine.

I shrug. “I don't mind.”

“Or we could order room service...” he trails off, his fingers fluttering up my arm. “Eat over there, drink wine... And then you can ride me on the steps of the pool again...”

“And accidentally elbow your injured knee...” I add with a grin over my shoulder. “I still can't believe that's the first time that's happened.”

Seth laughs and I'm relieved, just as I was earlier when it first happened when he winced in pain and then burst out laughing at my mortified expression. “I figured if I didn't make light of the situation, you'd quit sex with me all together until I'm fully functional.”

Now it's my turn to laugh. “Not a chance. Those first few weeks were hell.”

“Tell me about it,” he rumbles, his hand sliding over my stomach and instantly transporting me back to those few times in the hotel room where we managed to find the energy and time to get each other off, his fingers on my clit whilst I fisted his length, breathing heavily against each others cheeks in between hot, chaste kisses. Or when we upgraded to me lying gingerly on top of him, my right hand fisted into a ball to stop myself from gripping his injured leg as I took him in my mouth and he ate me out until I screamed.

And even though now we can do so much more, I miss feeling his weight on top of me, whether I'm on my back or my front. I miss the way he can so easily manipulate my body, twisting me into all manner of positions whilst I fight to keep my mind straight from the beautiful torture he unleashes on my senses. Not that I don't enjoy slowly teasing him, twisting my hips one way and then the other until he grips my hips and steers me in a direction that he knows will get me off as well as him. I like the way he gazes up at me, the way his fingers tease my breasts, my clit. Or the way he suddenly sits up and pulls my legs behind him so he can move me up and down his length. But it's not the same and I'm dying for the moment that he can let go and fuck me the way that he wants to.

Seth's fingers are sliding between my legs, teasing the sensitive skin on my inner thighs as I slowly arch against him. I can feel him smiling against my neck, his kisses soft as he nudges my head around so he can claim my mouth. His fingers continue to explore, steadily circling my clit until I whine and he gives me what I need.

“Siobhan,” he breathes against my lips as I claw at his wrist.

“Please... Seth...”

He smiles, slowly easing his body out from behind me and lowering himself into the water. I watch through hazy eyes as he plucks at the ties of my bikini, gently removing the item and tossing it over his shoulder. His head rocks to the side, his eyes dark and hungry as he pushes my thighs further apart and gently pulls me forward until I'm balanced on the edge of the swing seat. My head rocks back as he presses a kiss to my inner thigh, my hand dropped to clutch at his damp hair.

I kick off my heels and head for the bathroom, calling out to Seth to get me a glass of water along with his own. I start to pick at the small elastic band that's been doing it's best to keep my braid together for the past few hours. As I watch my reflection in the mirror, I can't help but smile as my new tattoo winks at me behind its clear protective film. My stomach flips as I take in, not for the first time, the magnitude of today. Despite my nerves, my last minute doubts that this was the right thing to do, I couldn't imagine it happening any other way. I seem to have had a permanent smile attached to my face ever since I woke up this morning and even now, as I stand alone in the bathroom, it's yet to disappear. I grin at my reflection, my fingers working their way through the thick strands of the braid, loosening them bit by bit.

“Siobhan?”

I smile at Seth leaning in the doorway. “I won't be long,” I promise.

He pushes off the doorframe and steps towards me. “Come here,” he says softly, his hand reaching out.

I give him a puzzled look. “What for?”

“Just come,” he nods his head towards the door. “I want to show you something.”

I pause, my braid half un-done. “Can it wait until I finish this?”

He smiles. “Not really.”

My curiosity piqued, I take his offered hand and let him guide me back into the bedroom and then out into the hallway.

“Close your eyes,” he whispers, stepping behind me as he places a hand over my face. “No peeking.”

He guides me down the hallway, our breathing the only sound as I reach out tentatively in front of me.

“Okay, stop here.” A hand on my hip stills my movements. “Keep your eyes closed.”

The warmth from his body moves away and I'm left in the darkness, my ears trying to pick up every sound. I gasp when I feel his breath on my forehead, my cheeks flushing as he laughs softly.

“Open your eyes,” he murmurs.

I open them slowly and then they automatically widen as I take in the clusters of candles that adorn the dining table, the coffee table, the TV stand. My eyes flicker to the speakers as strings start to play.

“Seth...”

“I figured we should at least have a first dance,” he smiles shyly, his hand extending to mine. I take it, my mouth opening but he cuts me off with a shake of the head. “Just enjoy.”

My head rocks against his chest, my lack of heels emphasising the height difference between us. His arms circle my waist, whilst my hands settle on his biceps, giggling quietly as I feel him involuntarily flex.

I, I wish I could swim Like dolphins, like dolphins can swim Though nothing will keep us together We can beat them, forever and ever

The warm voice spreads through the apartment as we slowly turn. I can feel my eyes start to sting and I squeeze them shut, desperate to keep it together unlike the many other times today. But my emotions are spiralling out of control and it's all I can do to tighten my grip on Seth's suit jacket to keep myself from falling. His arms tighten around my waist, his head twisting to kiss my forehead.

Oh, we can be heroes just for one day Oh, we can be heroes just for one day

One hand slips to my chin, lifting my head up and he smiles down at me as the next verse begins and starts to murmur along with the words.

I, I will be king And you, you will be queen Though nothing will drive us away Oh, we can be heroes just for one day Oh we can be us just for one day

The song starts to build as Seth's head dips further down, his lips brushing over mine. I cling to him, never wanting to let go as he kisses me softly at first then harder, his hands sliding up my back, his hand fisting my hair. It's fiery, passionate and we stumble slightly as he pulls back for breath before his mouth crashes against mine once again.

I, I can remember Standing, standing by the wall And the guns, shot above our heads And we kissed, as though nothing could fall

My fingers claw at his tie, tugging it loose so I can pluck loose the buttons of his dress shirt, determined to feel his hot skin. One of his hands slips down my back, groping at my ass before fumbling with the zipper of my dress. He eases me back, firmly, carefully as I abandon his shirt and tug at his belt instead.

And the shame, the shame was on the other side Oh, we can beat them, forever and ever Then we could be heroes just for one day

The song starts to fade, leaving us with just a soundtrack of zippers and buttons and heavy breathing. My back hits the wall with force, Seth's mouth dropping to my neck as he tugs my dress from my shoulders with one hand, the other slipping underneath to pull desperately at my panties. My hand is inside his pants, his dick hot and hard in my fist and I whimper as I feel his fingers drift across my entrance.

“Need you,” I pant, as if it wasn't clear enough and he grunts in agreement, He pushes me higher on the wall and I'm about to cry out in protest but his mouth closes around my breast just as his finger starts to tease my clit and all coherent thought of what's sensible and practical leaves my mind.

He moans around my breast as I stroke his dick, his finger slow and lethargic in its teasing. My head rocks back against the wall, my body arching as his teeth scrape against my nipple. I use my free hand to grip the back of his head, pulling him back to my mouth, before I scramble to push his pants south. With his mouth still firmly on mine he sheds his jacket, his shirt catching on his elbows. He briefly fights with it but gives up with a growl, his hands dropping to my ass where he lifts me effortlessly.

“Seth...”

“Need you,” he moans against my lips, echoing my earlier sentiment.

“Your knee...”

“Fuck my knee.”

I giggle in spite of myself, the sound turning into a soft mewl as I feel his length slide across my slit. He groans into my mouth as he pushes into me, his fingers digging into my ass cheeks as he holds me up. My legs are already starting to burn, but I don't care. Not when his head is dropping to my shoulder, his breathing hard and heavy as he twitches inside me.

I stroke the back of his head, murmuring softly to him as he steadies himself. Slowly, his hips start to rock against mine and a smile spreads across my face as I feel his lips on my neck.

“Shit,” he grunts, his head rising. Small beads of sweat adorn his forehead, his hair starting to frizz as he picks up the speed, his hips slamming against mine. He lifts me a little higher, my hands gripping his shoulders for support as he nuzzles at my breast once again, his teeth nipping at the sensitive flesh and causing me to cry out.

“Seth..”

His hand slips on my ass and I fight to lower my legs as I watch a painful grimace flash across his face.

“Seth, stop...” I cup his face, making him hold my gaze. “Stop... It's okay.”

He groans in frustration, his hips slowly grinding to halt before he lowers me to the floor.

“Sorry,” he mumbles, a hand scraping over his face. “Fuck.”

“I didn't mean stop completely,” I press a kiss to his chest. “Just don't hurt yourself.”

His fist twists in my hair as he tugs me back to his mouth and away from the wall. “The couch,” he growls and the heat flares in the pit of my stomach. He twists me in his arms, gently pushing me towards it, his hands on my hips, his dick pressed against my lower back.

I almost stumble in my eagerness, falling forward against the cushions before scrambling to clutch its high back, looking over my shoulder to see Seth reaching out to grope my ass. He slaps it gently but firmly, squeezing it until I squirm and let out a moan. Bending his good knee, he balances on the edge of the couch, tugging my hips back towards him.

The angle feels strange at first, what with his injured knee forcing to keep one foot firmly on the floor, but then the tip of his dick brushes against my g-spot and I let out a shout that spurs him on. His fingers dig into my hips, my ass, the couch squeaking under the strain as he slams into me over and over again.

My head drops forward, my eyes squeezing shut as I feel my body slowly start to shut down, my extremities going numb until all I can focus on is...

His finger tentatively brushes over my clit.

His mouth gently kisses up my spine.

His hand finds mine, our fingers lacing together as I force my head up, gasping for air, my eyes snapping open.

The infinity symbol on Seth's finger winks up at me as his name slips from my lips, my body shaking uncontrollably as he slams into me with a final growl of my own name.

He slumps over me, breathing heavily as I fight to catch my own breath. And then he's pulling me upright, sliding my arm around his shoulder, hoisting an arm under my legs and lifting me.

He kisses my forehead as he carries me towards the bedroom, my arms looping around his head, a satisfied smile playing on my lips.

“Happy?” he murmurs as he lowers me onto the bed.

I nod. “You?”

“Do you have to ask?” he grins.

“You asked me,” I tease back.

“Of course I'm happy,” he whispers as he kisses me again. “I've got you, Mrs Rollins. Forever and ever.”

Seth's chin rests on my shoulder as we head back into the harbour. There are a handful of other couples milling around on the deck, a few, like us, still watching the dying sun over the Caribbean sea. The ice in my glass clinks gently as the boat rocks slightly and I curl my arm over Seth's, tucking his tighter around me.

The last seven days have passed in a blur of sunbathing, swimming, exploring and love-making. With no wall to shield us from the rising sun, we've also risen early, allowing Seth to spend a couple of hours in the gym to keep up his rehab before breakfast arrives and we start to make plans for the rest of our day. We've strolled along the beach, taken a trip to the local town to wander around the markets, tested all the cocktails on the bar menu before taking full advantage of every surface in the hotel room.

Seth's fingers brush down my bare back, discreetly dipping beneath the material that skims my sides. I shiver, causing him to laugh quietly.

“I'm going to regret not taking you straight up to the room,” he whispers, his breath warm on my ear.

“We gotta eat,” I point out.

“Room service,” he retorts before his voice drops an octave. “But I had my eye on something else on the menu.”

His hands glide over my hips, tugging me back so I can feel the slight bulge in his pants.

“It's our last night though,” I mock-whine, grinning up at him as he glowers. “We should make the most of it.”

His glower disappears, replaced with a knowing smile. “I know.”

I frown, suspicious at his sudden change in attitude. “What have you got up your sleeve, Rollins?”

“You seem to forget that you're a Rollins too now.”

“Only I didn't automatically inherit your sneaky ways,” I retort.

“I'm not sneaky,” he frowns. “I just enjoy surprising my wife. And you should know by now that my surprises are always the best.”

I'm about to reply when the boat finally docks and we're ushered to disembark.

“So,” I say as we follow another couple back up the path to the resort. “This surprise...”

“Patience.”

I pout. “Is a virtue I was never blessed with.”

“Ain't that the truth,” he smirks.

The couple ahead of us turn right towards the restaurant and I'm about to follow when Seth tugs at my hand. “This way.”

Confused, I start to protest, only for him to place a solitary finger over my lips.

“Follow me. No questions.”

I kiss the tip of his finger, smirking as his eyes darken. “Yes, Sir.”

He groans as he wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Behave, Rollins.” I elbow his side gently and he chuckles.

“You look stunning tonight,” he tells me as we follow the path to the left.

“Thank you.” I can feel my cheeks glowing as his hand trails over my bare back. His face said it all when I emerged from the bathroom earlier this evening, his eyes dragging over my floor-length grey dress with a neckline that deeps just south of my breasts. As I turned to show off the back, I kept my gaze over my shoulder, watching him swallow hard as he took in the the way material gathered at the base of my neck and twisted into a long rope-like knot that followed my spine down to my waist before splitting in two again to criss-cross back over my front and back round to tie just above my ass.

“Beautiful,” he whispers into my hair as he guides me off the path and we pause in front of a solid wood door.

Before he can knock, the door is opened, a waiter appearing with a broad smile. “Mr and Mrs Rollins, welcome.”

I glance up at Seth. “What–”

“Please, follow me,” the waiter encourages, stepping aside to let us pass.

The air is cool as we follow a narrow corridor lit with small lanterns. I glance back over my shoulder at Seth, but he only grins at me. The waiter pauses at another door, opening it inwards and standing back to let us pass through. He smiles at me knowingly as I step forward and peer inside.

Each wall is covered with thick, wooden shelves, each containing bottle after bottle of wine. The ceiling is low, the room warm from the soft glow of the candles that are placed on every flat surface. And in the centre of the room, a single table is laid for two.

“Surprise,” Seth whispers in my ear as he nudges me forward into the room. My eyes scan the shelves in wonder, only glancing over my shoulder when the door softly closes.

Seth is at the table, pouring out two glasses of champagne. “You like?”

“This is amazing. I didn't even know this was here.”

“You can get to it from the main restaurant,” he explains as he offers me one of the glasses. “But then I found out there was an alternative route that's far more inconspicuous and that was bound to keep you in suspense for longer.”

I lean up and kiss him. “Well, not only am I surprised, I feel well and truly spoilt.”

“Anything for you,” he replies, clinking his glass against mine.

“So,” I say as I take a seat. “Is this the final surprise?”

Seth suddenly looks sheepish, his gaze darting away from me as he rubs the back of his neck. “Well...”

“Seth!”

“Promise you won't be pissed at me?”

“Pissed? Why would I be pissed at you?”

“I got you something,” he says slowly. “And I want you to accept it. No questions asked.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Why?”

He draws his seat closer, reaching for my hand. “Because you told me not to do this.”

“Do what?”

“But I couldn't. Mainly because I already had.”

“Had what? Seth, please, what are you talking about?”

“A ring.”

“A ring?”

“For you.” His eyes lock with mine. “A ring for you, Siobhan.”

“What for?”

He stares at me for a second. “You remember I told you how I was going to propose? Well, what I didn't tell you is that I already had the ring. It was at my parents for safe-keeping. They didn't know,” he quickly adds when he sees my eyes widen. “I had a bunch of stuff in their attic and I kept it there for a few months. I was going to propose to you over Christmas, but then... Then things changed and I said what I said and suddenly I'm proposing to you in a hotel room a week after surgery. I was going to give you the ring when we got home but then you said about not wasting the money on an engagement ring and spending it on something else. I... I was going to sell it, put the money towards the honeymoon instead, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.”

I hold my breath as he reaches inside his jacket and draws out a ring box.

“Seth...”

“Please, Siobhan...” he pushes the box towards me. “I know this isn't the right way round to do this, I know that we're already married. You don't have to wear it, but I want you to have it.”

My fingers tremble as I reach out and snap open the box. My eyes flicker up to Seth and I find him watching me with baited breath.

“It's okay,” I grin. “I already said yes.”

He lets out a bark of laughter. “I know, but I'm not sure if my taste is up to your standards.”

“You shouldn't put yourself down,” I say as my gaze drops back to the ring, the round diamond sparkling up at me, surrounded by smaller set diamonds that dance in the light as they travel along the curve of the ring. “It's beautiful, Seth.”

“You're not pissed at me?”

I laugh. “Definitely not. It's stunning. I kinda wish I hadn't said what I said about not wanting an engagement ring.”

He grins. “You really don't have to wear it if you don't want to.”

I smile, slipping my hand around his neck and pulling him closer. His mouth brushes against mine, once, twice, the third a keeper as he hums in satisfaction.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

He holds me close, inhaling deeply as his nose settles into my mass of hair. I grope at the table, seeking out the ring box. With Seth still nestled against me, I admire the ring once more, eventually plucking it from the velvet lined box and slipping it onto my finger. It feels heavy, solid but comfortable.

Seth pulls back, reaching for my hands. His fingers freeze as he brushes over the diamond.

“Siobhan...”

“No regrets,” I tell him. “Starting now.”

Fin x

#wwe fic #wwe fanfiction #seth rollins #seth rollins smut #seth rollins fanfiction #seth rollins imagine

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